Kansas City Chiefs completed roster gymnastics by re-signing veteran defensive tackle

On May 20, the Kansas City Chiefs re-signed veteran defensive tackle Matt Dickerson as part of a roster shake-up.

A to Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman first broke the story, but it was later corroborated by Chiefs Digest media member Matt Derrick, among others.

On May 13, the staff favorite was cut off the 90-man roster to make place for another returnee, linebacker/special teams player Cole Christiansen. The Chiefs then released running back La’Mical Perine on May 17, allowing Dickerson to rejoin the team.

Dickerson has spent six seasons in the NFL, beginning in 2018. He stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs 292 pounds. He has 42 total tackles, three career tackles for loss, and three quarterback hits. Dickerson is still looking for his first NFL sack, though.

After a few appearances with Kansas City, the journeyman carved out a spot in Steve Spagnuolo’s rotation last season. Dickerson played 190 defensive snaps in 2023, the majority of which came in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions (41 snaps).

The versatile defensive lineman had a great tackling grade of 74.1 for the season, with no missed tackles and six critical defensive stops. His run defense and pass-rushing grades were far lower, at 45.5 and 53.9, respectively.

Chiefs Are Running It Back on the Defensive Front

The Dickerson reunion completes the Chiefs’ offseason game plan of re-signing last year’s defensive linemen.

Kansas City has already brought back veterans Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel, and Tershawn Wharton to join Dickerson on the interior. Not to mention Mike Danna and Malik Herring at the defensive end.

When you consider those who are still under contract — George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Charles Omenihu, BJ Thompson, Neil Farrell, Truman Jones, and Isaiah Buggs — the Chiefs clearly prefer to run it back on defense.

The sole newcomer on the whole defensive line is Fabien Lovett Sr., a priority UDFA.

‘Phase 3’ of Chiefs OTAs Begins on May 20 With WR Rashee Rice in Attendance

The Chiefs kicked up “phase three” of Organized Team Activities on Monday, May 20.

According to Arrowhead Pride writer Pete Sweeney, “credentialed media will be permitted to attend practice and interview coaches and players [starting] on Wednesday, May 22.” Then again on Thursday, May 30 and Thursday, June 6.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter stated that wide receiver Rashee Rice was in attendance on day one. According to the NFL insider, Rice will be “participating in all activities, per source.”

“Although Rice hasn’t been issued a suspension yet, this is a reminder that suspended players can participate in offseason work,” A-to-Z Sports said to X.

Surprisingly, Rice’s legal issues have only been the tip of the iceberg in a turbulent offseason for the Kansas City Chiefs. Kicker Harrison Butker recently made waves during a college graduating address, prompting a group of supporters to urge the Chiefs to release him. Then, on May 17, offensive lineman Wanya Morris (a 2023 third-round pick) and Chukwuebuka Godrick were arrested on a minor marijuana possession charge.

Needless to say, the Kansas City organization is probably hoping that their preseason activities are much quieter than the offseason months. The Chiefs will participate in OTAs until Tuesday, June 11, when mandatory minicamp officially begins.