Jordan Lucas trade: Chiefs add “menace on special teams” from Dolphins
By Matt Conner
We asked Josh Houtz of The Phinsider to tell us more about Jordan Lucas, the newest safety addition from the Miami Dolphins.
The Kansas City Chiefs added a new safety in Jordan Lucas from the Miami Dolphins at the eleventh hour before roster cuts in an under-the-radar move that was lost in the shuffle of so much news. The cost was a 7th round pick in 2020, hardly the stuff that moves the news meter.
Still, Lucas is expected to make the final 53-man roster and he cost something. In the interest of finding out more and how he might fit into the equation, we reached out to The Phinsider‘s Josh Houtz for some answers. You’re going to appreciate what you hear as he seems to be a nice find at a position of need.
I’m assuming this is a small potatoes deal that doesn’t deserve that much discussion, but should Chiefs fans be excited about anything here at all?
Admittedly, I don’t know an awful lot about the Chiefs’ secondary, but I do know my fair share about Jordan Lucas. Lucas is a hard-working defensive back that has never really had a chance at starting in Miami. He is a difference maker on special teams and has made strides this preseason at safety. Oh yeah, and he ran a 4.45 [40-yard dash] at the combine
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During Thursday’s preseason game vs. the Atlanta Falcons, Lucas did everything that was asked of him. He recorded a TFL, a sack and had an interception. This wasn’t enough for him to earn a spot in the Dolphins’ loaded secondary, but the Chiefs got themselves a menace on special teams, added depth at safety, and a 25-year old safety that still has plenty of room for development.
Why let Lucas go at this point for Miami?
In the end, it came down to a numbers game in Miami. Lucas has continued to make strides over the last two seasons, but better play from second-year safety Maurice Smith made it difficult to keep both players. The Dolphins also decided for some reason to keep two back-up quarterbacks. Overall, there were just too many defensive backs and Miami was forced to make a decision.
What should the Chiefs never ask or expect Lucas to do?
Never ask Lucas to stop grinding. He puts in the work day in and day out, and has continued to improve each and every year. A change of scenario could be just the thing he needs to take his game to new heights.
Would you expect Lucas to make the Chiefs final roster?
I think when a team trades a draft pick, no matter how high or low it may be, they have plans for that player moving forward. And although it wasn’t against the NFL’s elite, it was clear Lucas was one of the better players on the field late Thursday night. So, yes. I absolutely think Jordan Lucas will make the 53-man roster. His presence on special teams, and continued growth at safety, is worthy of a roster spot.