Last week, the Indianapolis Colts released veteran offensive lineman Ryan Lilja, saying they wanted to get bigger. Tuesday, Lilja found a new home, as the left guard has signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, KansasCity.com reports. In Lilja, 28, the Chiefs are getting a guy who has been a part of one of the NFL's best offensive lines for his entire career. He missed the entire 2008 season with a knee injury, but he started all 16 games during last regular season and all three playoff games -- including the Super Bowl. He started a total of 67 games, including the playoffs, for the Colts.
Though not huge -- Lilja is 290 pounds -- he's known as a hard worker and great teammate. Lilja has also likely learned a lot from the Colts' recently retired offensive line coach Howard Mudd, who was one of the most respected positional coaches in the NFL.
Lilja was born and raised in the Kansas City area and attended Kansas State University, so this signing marks a homecoming for him. It's a good fit for him and a nice signing for the Chiefs.




