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Five moves that propelled the KC Chiefs to Super Bowl LIV

By Kelly Thompson

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 19: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs holds up the Lamar Hunt trophy after defeating the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 35-24. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JANUARY 19: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs holds up the Lamar Hunt trophy after defeating the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs defeated the Titans 35-24. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: Strong safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts to a defensive stop against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter of the game at Soldier Field on December 22, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 22: Strong safety Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts to a defensive stop against the Chicago Bears in the third quarter of the game at Soldier Field on December 22, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

4. An Eric Berry Replacement

Eric Berry was the heart and soul of the Kansas City Chiefs defense prior to a run of bad luck that left him unable to play football at an even moderately successful level in 2018. Kansas City cut bait with the former All-Pro after the 2018 season and began a search for his replacement.

Enter Tyrann Mathieu. The Chiefs signed the former Houston Texans safety to a three-year deal early in the free agency period and immediately inserted him as the new leader of the defense.

The Honey Badger has not disappointed. He has been the unquestioned defensive MVP for Kansas City throughout the season and even had some clamoring for his inclusion in the Defensive Player of the Year voting. He was also recognized by the Associated Press as an All-Pro for the first time since the 2015 season.

In what was the most high profile free agent signing of the offseason, general manager Brett Veach and new defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo hit it out of the park on this one. And without this move, it may have been impossible to transform the defense and make it to Super Bowl LIV.

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