Ranking the KC Chiefs’ most impactful additions from 2019

5. Bashaud Breeland

The Chiefs signed Bashaud Breeland to a one-year deal in 2019 after missing out on him in 2018. He would go on to start opposite of Charvarius Ward and become a big impact on a rebuilding defense. In several crucial moments, Breeland came up with interceptions and pass breakups throughout the season and playoffs.

One of those moments came against the New England Patriots on fourth down in the red zone when Breeland swatted the ball away from Julian Edelman. In the Super Bowl, he totaled seven tackles, two for a loss, one pass breakup, and an interception.

Including the postseason, Breeland finished with 73 total tackles, 3 for a loss, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and 1 defensive touchdown. Battling through injuries, Breeland continued to bring that physical playstyle at the cornerback position.

The Chiefs secondary started slow, as did most of the defense. It took time for players to gain continuity with one another, given all of the new faces starting on that side of the ball. It was also an adjustment as the coaching staff was overhauled and brought a new scheme. Despite a rough start to the season, Kansas City ranked sixth in DVOA pass defense in 2019.

When looking at what Spagnuolo wants from his cornerbacks, Breeland is a great fit: big, physical at the line of scrimmage and catch point. His competitiveness blended well with the rest of the defense, and his toughness to play through his shoulder injury most of the season was impressive.