Kansas City Chiefs could step in for Ross Cockrell

The Kansas City Chiefs could step in for cornerback Ross Cockrell.

It was only a few hours ago that the New York Giants had visions of re-uniting former Carolina Panther teammates Ross Cockrell and James Bradberry in their secondary. Now it appears that Cockrell is backing out for reasons unknown.

The Giants had brought in Cockrell in recent days for a visit and physical and it was clear that an agreement was in the works. Now, however, in a move that mirrors the sort of awkward break-up that happened when Emmanuel Sanders suddenly decided to not sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, Cockrell is no long going to play for the Giants.

This only begs the question: did Cockrell find another suitor? Every offseason, it seems at least one of these sorts of deals happens. A sure thing isn’t a sure thing until the contract is signed and Cockrell is apparently flinching at the thought of playing for the Giants or at least the terms being discussed. It’s very possible that it’s all a ploy to get the Giants to bring more to the table. Then again, it could mean a mystery team is in the mix.

It should be noted that the Chiefs have a potential need at corner, especially for a veteran early in the season, with the knowledge that Bashaud Breeland will miss several games with a suspension to start the season. A canceled preseason schedule also means that depending on L’Jarius Sneed or another inexperienced player only invites defensive mistakes early on.

Cockrell played for the Giants already back in 2017, which means he already has experience of at least one season in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Spags served as defensive coordinator that year before also becoming the team’s interim head coach when Ben McAdoo was fired.

Cockrell, who just turned 29 years old, has started 43 games over the last four seasons for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Giants, and Panthers. Last year in Carolina, he had 62 tackles, 8 passes defended and 2 interceptions.