Morris Claiborne says he chose the Chiefs over several other teams

Morris Claiborne spoke to the media recently from Chiefs training camp and detailed the process on how he arrived in Kansas City.

There’s a certain momentum that success brings to a team, a level of respect and a development of culture that draws certain players who want to be a part of it. The New England Patriots have enjoyed the fruits of this for years now, but the Kansas City Chiefs are discovering it can work in their favor as well.

Cornerback Morris Claiborne recently joined the team as a free agent signing by general manager Brett Veach. During his first press conference with reporters from training camp, Claiborne detailed the process on signing with the Chiefs and it turns out that their success was a significant part of it.

“There was a lot of teams [in the mix]. I was getting calls from a lot of different places,” says Claiborne. “This just seemed like it fit more. I can tell from the coaching staff to the owner that they really wanted me. I could really feel it. I could feel the energy from them. I know they have a great team and that we’re going to be playing in the playoffs. Our goal is to win that Super Bowl.”

The Chiefs like “really wanted him” because the team not only likes the skill set and experience that Claiborne brings after several seasons in the NFL, but they also have a significant need in the secondary. The Chiefs have some young developmental pieces in place on the depth chart, but relying on one or more to make a significant leap forward isn’t a risk a Super Bowl-focused team really wants to make.

Charvarius Ward, Bashaud Breeland, and Kendall Fuller are all in place as the team’s primary trio of corners, but from there, a mix of options like D’Montre Wade, Mark Fields, Rashad Fenton, Tremon Smith and company represent a significant drop in dependable talent. That doesn’t mean someone can’t rise up, but the rigors of a season are going to test even the most loaded teams. Veach clearly felt the need for one more veteran.

“He was just trying to put pieces together,” says Claiborne of Veach. “He felt like I was a good piece, a good fit in the defense to get us to that next level and I feel the same way. Once I learn this defense and just come in and take over—that’s my mind set to just come in and play. I feel like I have nothing to lose and everything to gain from this situation. I’m gonna take full advantage of it.”

Given that he just joined the team, Claiborne not only missed the first preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, but the Chiefs are expected to give him time to warm up a bit more before putting him into a game situation. That means he’s likely to miss this Saturday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers as well.

Claiborne started 30 games for the New York Jets over the past two seasons after largely serving in sub packages for the Dallas Cowboys for his first four seasons in the National Football League. Last year he set a career-high in tackles (57), passes defended (14) and interceptions (2). The former first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft turned 29 years old this past winter.