From Philly Castoff to Key Defender? Chiefs Re-Sign Marlon Tuipulotu After Nnadi Exit

The Kansas City Chiefs are quietly building depth on their defensive line, and one of their most under-the-radar moves may soon pay off in a big way. On March 19, 2025, the Chiefs re-signed defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu, a former Philadelphia Eagles sixth-round pick, who could now play a much larger role following the departure of veteran run-stuffer Derrick Nnadi.

Tuipulotu, 25, joined the Chiefs late last season after being released by the Eagles during final roster cuts. He spent most of 2024 inactive but saw action in two regular season games for Kansas City. Now, with Nnadi signing with the New York Jets in free agency, the Chiefs’ interior line rotation suddenly has an opening—and Tuipulotu could be the next man up.

Originally drafted out of USC in 2021, Tuipulotu showed flashes of potential in Philadelphia, particularly in 2023, when he played in 14 games and recorded 22 combined tackles and two quarterback pressures. His size, strength, and ability to clog the middle make him an intriguing rotational piece, especially in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive front.

The Chiefs are expected to lean heavily on All-Pro Chris Jones to anchor the defensive line, but Tuipulotu’s re-signing gives the unit a developmental option with upside. If he can build on the flashes he showed in Philadelphia, Tuipulotu may go from being a castoff to an important role player on a team with championship aspirations.

With offseason workouts approaching and roster competition heating up, Tuipulotu now has a rare opportunity to prove his worth. Whether he becomes a key rotational defender or just adds depth, his journey from being cut by the Eagles to potentially contributing in Kansas City is a story of perseverance—and possibly redemption.

In a league where every roster spot counts, the Chiefs may have just found an unexpected asset in a familiar face.