Kansas City Chiefs 2020 free agent profile: Bashaud Breeland

What will the Kansas City Chiefs secondary look like in 2020? Will it include unrestricted free agent cornerback Bashaud Breeland?

The Kansas City Chiefs knew going into the 2019 season that they would have some tough decisions to make in the upcoming offseason regarding contracts. One position group in particular that stands out is the cornerback group.

Following the 2019 season, the Chiefs have only two cornerbacks with remaining deals worth noting, including Charvarius Ward and Rashad Fenton.

Over the last two offseasons, general manager Brett Veach has done very little to address the position group. He traded for cornerback Kendall Fuller as part of the Alex Smith trade to the Washington Redskins immediately after the 2017 season. It looked like a strong starting duo for a couple of weeks until Veach traded away Marcus Peters to the Los Angeles Rams. Since then, Kansas City has spent two sixth-round draft picks on the position. In free agency, the team has turned to minimal deals for veterans for one year.

One veteran that the Chiefs gave a one-year prove-it deal to last offseason was Bashaud Breeland. When Breeland left Washington D.C., it looked as if he would get a sizeable deal on the open market with the Carolina Panthers. That deal fell through when Breeland failed a physical which voided the agreement with Carolina. He toured around the league for the remainder of the offseason, including visiting the Chiefs training camp. After not signing in Kansas City and meeting with multiple other teams, the former Redskin would sign a contract with the Green Bay Packers in late September for less than one million dollars.

In 2019, Breeland hit the open market again. After an up and down season with the Packers, he wanted to prove that he was worth more money. The sixth-year cornerback appeared in only seven games in Green Bay missing time due to groin and hamstring injuries. With only 2 interceptions, 4 passes defended, and 20 tackles, it was a down season compared to what he showcased in Washington. He would sign with the Chiefs on a one-year deal for $2 million.

Now, Breeland is coming off of a good season with a championship team entering the market once again. He appeared on NFL Network Wednesday morning, and when asked if he intended to reset the cornerback market, he replied that he just wanted to get what he deserved from the league. When discussing what he provides for teams that are interested in signing him, he said, “I bring a lot of physicality,” said Breeland. “I’m technical and willing to tackle. I can play most positions in the secondary — outside, inside, and I can also play safety a little bit, too. I just bring a competitive nature to the team.”

In an interview with Bruce Murray and Bruce Gradkowski on “The SiriusXM Blitz” NFL radio, Breeland discussed further on wanting a long term deal done this offseason. He went on to say that he would love to continue the journey with the Chiefs, but he might price himself out of the Kansas City’s range depending on the offers he receives from other teams. Inquiring teams can officially begin talking to players about contracts on March 16, but Breeland confirmed that no one from the Chiefs has reached out to his representatives.

Breeland had a good season, but it wasn’t the kind of season that teams are willing to write blank checks. The sixth-year cornerback played a key role in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense in 2019, starting in every game except the home matchup vs. the Minnesota Vikings due to a shoulder injury. Breeland played through that injury for most of the season, proving his competitive nature. His performance in the Super Bowl totaling 7 tackles, 2 for a loss, 1 pass deflection, and 1a interception was what the Chiefs needed from the veteran.

Considering some of the other names hitting the open market like James Bradberry, Chris Harris, and Byron Jones, it’s going to be a tall order to compete for the highest-paid at the position. The Los Angeles Rams also have to fork up the money to pay Jalen Ramsey. According to Spotrac, Harris has a market value of a three year, $33 million contract which averages $11 million a year.

If Breeland does look to get top dollar at the cornerback position, it’s unlikely he will return to Kansas City. The Chiefs have 20 players hitting unrestricted free agency along with decisions to make on several others over the next month. Will the team decide to re-sign options like Mike Pennel, who made a significant impact along the interior of the defensive line in 2019? Do they want to bring back players like Kendall Fuller, Emmanuel Ogbah, or Demarcus Robinson? That’s not even factoring in contracts that would warrant massive dividends like Chris Jones and soon Patrick Mahomes.

Brett Veach has some big decisions to make this offseason. The Chiefs need cornerbacks desperately, with only two players having starting experience on the roster for 2020. They would benefit from drafting a real number one cornerback early in a loaded draft class. Ward and Fenton have proved that they are solid starting corners, but the need for a true lockdown number one is something Kansas City is still searching to find.

Breeland is not a true number one corner. He’s better as your second corner that still is a good starter in the NFL. The physicality and competitiveness that he showed this season would help Spagnuolo moving forward, as would his versatility to play boundary, slot, and even some safety. Having a veteran in the room would be another benefit that already knows the playbook and is comfortable with his surrounding cast.

The question will remain until March on how much would be enough to bring Breeland back? Should the Chiefs offer Fuller an extension instead? March will be interesting for Kansas City as Veach tries to maneuver the CAP situation with massive deals looming.