Alohi Gilman Joins Chiefs, Reunites With Former Teammate Drue Tranquill

The Kansas City Chiefs have added veteran safety Alohi Gilman to their secondary in free agency, with Gilman highlighting the influence of former teammate Drue Tranquill in his decision. Gilman and Tranquill share a history from both Notre Dame Fighting Irish football and five seasons together in Los Angeles with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Gilman described Tranquill as his “third agent,” noting that the linebacker had been actively encouraging him to join Kansas City. The two maintained a close relationship over the years, and Gilman expressed excitement about reuniting with his former teammate.

After starting the 2025 season with the Chargers, Gilman was traded to the Baltimore Ravens following five games, where he finished the year with 12 appearances. He contributed 90 tackles, nine pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown, proving himself as a versatile and impactful safety in multiple defensive schemes.

With the Chiefs, Gilman has a clear opportunity to step into a starting role. Kansas City lost former safety Bryan Cook in free agency and has not brought in a direct replacement, making Gilman the likely leader in the secondary as the 2026 season approaches.

1. Professional Journey and 2025 Performance

Gilman entered the NFL with the Chargers and spent his first five seasons in Los Angeles, developing into a reliable safety in both coverage and run support. His experience in multiple defensive roles has prepared him for a starting job in Kansas City. During the 2025 season, Gilman’s impact was evident both with the Chargers and Ravens. After five games in Los Angeles, he was traded to Baltimore, where he quickly adapted to a new system. His 90 tackles and nine pass breakups highlighted his ability to read plays and make consistent contributions across the field. Gilman also forced two fumbles and returned one for a touchdown, showing his knack for creating turnovers at key moments. These high-leverage plays reinforced his reputation as a playmaker capable of influencing games on both sides of the ball. His versatility and leadership experience make him an ideal fit for a Chiefs defense that has been undergoing significant changes, particularly in the secondary. Gilman’s ability to communicate and coordinate with teammates will be crucial for a unit that will rely on him from Day 1.

2. Relationship With Drue Tranquill

A significant factor in Gilman’s decision to join the Chiefs was his relationship with linebacker Drue Tranquill. The two first played together at Notre Dame, forming a bond that continued through their time with the Chargers. Gilman credited Tranquill with actively recruiting him to Kansas City, calling him his “third agent” and praising his teammate’s leadership and competitive spirit. Their familiarity and mutual respect made the prospect of reuniting in Kansas City highly appealing. The pair’s previous chemistry is expected to translate quickly on the field. With both players experienced in high-level defensive schemes, they can help stabilize a Chiefs secondary that lost multiple contributors in free agency. Beyond performance, the connection provides intangible benefits. Trust and communication between safeties and linebackers are critical for coverage assignments and run support, and Gilman sees Tranquill as a natural partner to help lead the group.

3. Chiefs’ Secondary Overhaul and Expectations

Kansas City nearly rebuilt its entire secondary in the offseason, replacing cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams with Kader Kohou while losing Bryan Cook at safety. Gilman is now positioned to be a cornerstone of the revamped unit. His versatility allows him to play both deep and in-the-box roles, helping the Chiefs adjust to different offensive schemes and providing coverage against tight ends, slot receivers, and deep threats. Gilman’s addition complements Tranquill and the other returning defenders, creating a secondary that combines veteran experience with new athletic talent. His ability to read offenses and make plays on the ball should immediately strengthen Kansas City’s pass defense. As the Chiefs aim to remain competitive in the AFC, Gilman’s leadership and playmaking will be vital. Reuniting with Tranquill provides both chemistry and a shared understanding of defensive responsibilities, giving the team a strong foundation heading into 2026.