Andy Reid‘s cooking up something big for the Kansas City Chiefs, and he’s just nabbed a defensive gem from a long-time AFC West rival. On April 4, the Chiefs signed defensive end Janarius Robinson, poaching him from the Las Vegas Raiders in a move that’s got fans buzzing. Robinson, a 2021 fourth-round pick by the Vikings, spent most of his career with the Raiders, racking up 1.5 sacks in 2024 across 17 games.
“We’re building depth,” Reid hinted at the NFL Annual Meeting, and this signing-announced on X-aims to bolster a D-line that faltered in the Chiefs’ 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles.
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Robinson’s no stranger to drama-he was arrested for DUI in February 2024 on the Las Vegas Strip, admitting to “a couple drinks,” per the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The NFL slapped him with a three-game suspension in December 2024 for violating the substance-abuse policy, and the Raiders let him walk in free agency.
X fans are split: “Reid’s giving him a second chance!” one cheered, while another cautioned, “Hope he’s cleaned up-Chiefs don’t need distractions.” Reid’s got a history of taking chances on players with baggage -think Kareem Hunt- and Robinson’s 6-foot-5, 260-pound frame could be a steal if he stays on track.
Chiefs strengthen with Raiders’ talent
Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes is getting a major offseason lift. The three-time Super Bowl champ restructured his $450M contract on March 12, freeing up nearly $50M in cap space-plenty to add pieces like Robinson and cornerback Kristian Fulton. “I just want to win,” Mahomes said on The Pat McAfee Show in February, shaking off that Super Bowl sting where he threw for 257 yards but had three turnovers.
Social media users are hyped: “Mahomes with a better D-line? Let’s go!” one posted. The Chiefs also signed running back Alexander Mattison, aiming to keep their offense -4,561 passing yards from Mahomes in 2024- firing on all cylinders.
Reid’s Chiefs have dominated the AFC West-nine straight division titles and three Super Bowl rings since 2019. Robinson’s addition, despite his past, fits their aggressive offseason vibe. “He’s got the size to disrupt,” an X scout noted, seeing him as a rotational piece for Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme, which notched 57 sacks last season. With the 2025 NFL Draft looming on April 24, Chiefs Kingdom’s ready for another run-Robinson’s a gamble, but Reid’s betting on a big payoff.
