Frank Zombo’s return to the Chiefs made sense for both sides

When it came to his free-agency, Frank Zombo allowed himself to take a step back from the process. The veteran outside linebacker knew the Chiefs wanted him back, and he knew he wanted to return.

In his mind, all that was left to do was figure out the terms.

“To me, I really would have taken anything,” said Zombo, 29. “So, it was hard for my agents to really talk to me about it because they’re like, ‘Well, Frank, you want a fair deal, I know you want to be back in Kansas City but let us do our jobs.’ ”

So Zombo stayed out of it, and about 10 minutes before free-agency began on March 9, his agents and the Chiefs put the finishing touches on a three-year deal worth $3.6 million, with another $750,000 in incentives.

“I was a little stressed out before that point,” Zombo said. “But I’m just overwhelmed with happiness, and my family is (too), to be back here, because we truly do love it here.”

There are multiple reasons for that. One is that Zombo, a core special-teamer, really enjoys playing for special-teams coaches Dave Toub and Brock Olivo. Another, Zombo says, is that he’s got a good camaraderie with the rest of the regulars on special-teams units.

“Guys that play with a lot of heart,” Zombo said. “I know around the league, sometimes special teams is not looked at as something guys want to do, and our group and on our team, it’s just like we’re part of the offense or defense, and we take it extremely to heart. Guys really try to do well and we don’t want to let the guy next to us down.”

For example, whenever they break down their kick-return film, Zombo said, no one wants to be the one who let his guy tackle the kick returner.

“Everyone takes extreme pride in what they do on special teams and that’s why, year after year, we’re so good at it,” Zombo said.

There are a few different reasons the Chiefs were motivated to get something done with Zombo, too. In addition to being a solid special-teamer, the 6-foot-3, 254-pound Zombo has also been an occasional contributor on defense since he arrived, logging five sacks in three years — including three in 253 defensive snaps (with two starts) in 2015.

“As a veteran player, Frank has consistently played well on special teams and as a contributor on defense,” general manager John Dorsey said in a statement. “We are happy to have him back with us. He adds solid depth to our team.”

Zombo’s return has become even more important in recent days, as news spread of star outside linebacker Justin Houston recent ACL surgery, which puts him in danger of potentially missing the 2016 season.

Zombo offers experienced depth at a position that also includes a 32-year-old star with creaky knees (Tamba Hali) and a 25-year-old former first round pick (Dee Ford) who must still prove himself.

The good news for the Chiefs is that Zombo is simply excited to return in whatever capacity the team needs him.

“I’ve been with these guys for so long now,” Zombo said. “Being on the same team for three years is a pretty remarkable thing, especially in my position. Being a special teams kind of guy, we don’t always have the most job security.”

Zombo said that kind of continuity, however, has contributed to a culture of winning in Kansas City. The Chiefs have posted a 31-17 regular-season record in the three years he’s been here, and he’s certainly eager to see that continue into the future.

“I feel that’s the reason why we are so successful, because the locker room chemistry is so strong here,” Zombo said. “We’re extremely close with our coaches, just because we’ve been with them for so many years. That’s why everyone’s on the same page and why we do so well on Sundays.”

This story was originally published March 24, 2016 at 9:55 AM with the headline "Frank Zombo’s return to the Chiefs made sense for both sides."