bv. CHIEFS’ DESPERATE MOVE: Kansas City Set to Bring Back a FAMILIAR FACE to Address SHOCKING Defensive Tackle Crisis.
The Kansas City Chiefs are grappling with a significant setback at the defensive tackle position following the season-ending injury to rookie Omarr Norman-Lott. An MRI confirmed on Monday that Norman-Lott, a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, suffered a torn ACL during the Chiefs’ dominant 31-0 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. The injury, which occurred midway through the game, has forced the Chiefs to confront an already glaring weakness in their defensive line depth, prompting speculation about potential roster moves, including the return of a familiar face.
Norman-Lott, who had been easing into the Chiefs’ defensive rotation through his first six games, was viewed as a high-upside prospect with impressive pass-rushing metrics from his time at the University of Tennessee. Despite a limited role in college, his potential made him a valuable piece for Kansas City’s long-term plans. However, his injury exacerbates an existing issue at defensive tackle, where the Chiefs have struggled to find consistent impact players behind star Chris Jones. Even before Norman-Lott’s injury, the team had been linked to trade rumors to bolster the position, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
n the wake of this crisis, the Chiefs are reportedly considering bringing back Fabien Lovett Sr., a former undrafted free agent who signed with the team out of Florida State following the 2024 NFL Draft. Lovett, who received a sizable $200,000 guarantee to join Kansas City, spent the entire 2024 season on the Chiefs’ practice squad and was later signed to a futures contract for 2025. Despite being passed over during training camp and subsequently released, Lovett’s familiarity with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system and the Chiefs’ locker room makes him an appealing short-term option. After a brief stint on the New England Patriots’ practice squad, which ended in late September, Lovett remains a free agent, potentially paving the way for a reunion with Kansas City.
The Chiefs do have internal options to replace Norman-Lott, including Marlon Tuipulotu, Zacch Pickens, and Brodric Martin, who are currently on the practice squad. These players are likely to get the first opportunity to step into the rotation. However, with the leash expected to be short for anyone filling in, the Chiefs’ front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, is under pressure to make a more significant move to address the defensive interior. Until a blockbuster trade or acquisition materializes, Lovett’s return could provide much-needed stability and familiarity to a unit in desperate need of reinforcement.
As the Chiefs navigate this defensive tackle crisis, their ability to adapt will be critical in maintaining their dominance in the AFC. With the trade deadline looming, all eyes will be on Veach to see whether he opts for a quick fix with Lovett or pursues a bigger name to solidify the defensive line for the remainder of the 2025 season.
