RM Chiefs Veteran Linebacker Turns Down $8M Eagles Offer, Holding Out Hope for Kansas City Return After Learning He Was Nearly Cut
📍 Kansas City, Missouri – November 29, 2025
In an era where financial decisions often overshadow loyalty in the NFL, Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Drue Tranquill has reportedly declined an $8 million proposal from the Philadelphia Eagles — an offer made quietly after rumors circulated that Kansas City was weighing the option of releasing him to free up 2026 cap space.
The Eagles, known for their aggressive approach to roster upgrades, allegedly reached out informally after discovering that Tranquill’s projected $7.5 million cap hit could put him on the chopping block amid Kansas City’s increasingly competitive linebacker depth chart. Despite the attractive deal — including $6 million guaranteed — Tranquill chose not to move on.
“I get that the business side can be harsh, but I still bleed red and gold,” Tranquill told local reporters. “If this is where it ends, I’ll accept that. But I’m not leaving unless I’m forced out.”
Since joining the Chiefs in 2023, the 30-year-old linebacker has become a trusted leader in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, appearing in three consecutive Super Bowls, mentoring rising players such as Nick Bolton and Leo Chenal, and starting 28 of 29 games during his time in Kansas City.
Discussions within the organization about potentially moving on from Tranquill reportedly surfaced earlier this month, as the team looks ahead to critical cap decisions and evaluates younger, lower-cost options like Jeffrey Bassa and Cooper McDonald. Yet Tranquill’s steadfast commitment has sparked strong public support from Chiefs fans.
“He’s exactly the kind of guy you want next to you — on the field and off,” Spagnuolo said. “A tough, unselfish player who truly embodies what we’re about.”
Though the Eagles’ offer indicated that league interest in Tranquill remains high, he is said to have passed on it within a day, emphasizing that he has “unfinished business” in Kansas City and would rather work out a new deal than relocate.
The Chiefs have not issued any formal announcements regarding his future, but as salary-cap decisions loom, one thing remains evident: Tranquill’s loyalty is rooted deep at Arrowhead Stadium.
“I’ve given everything to this team,” he added. “And if there’s still room for me here, I’ll be ready.”
