Here are the free agent cornerbacks who make the most sense for the Chiefs.
In their efforts to run it back, the Kansas City Chiefs were hoping to answer questions on the fly at the cornerback position with a series of under-the-radar moves. Given the number of injury concerns, they might have to add a free agent or two to even make it to the regular season.
Every team is taking hits at various positions as training camps are underway and players try to work their way back into game shape. The Chiefs are taking many of their hits at the exact same position—one that they weren’t exactly loaded in the first place.
While some positions on the defending Super Bowl champs feature an abundance of talent (say, wide receiver or defensive line), the Chiefs have always had to answer questions at corner. This year those questions are louder than ever.
The big news to come out of Saturday’s practice was the loss of Alex Brown for the season. The Chiefs elevated Brown to the active roster for the last few games of the 2019 season, and he was going to factor into the cornerback competition in 2020. Instead, he found out he tore his ACL and will miss the season.
Via his Instagram account, #Chiefs DB Alex Brown acknowledges that he sustained a torn ACL early in camp, which a source confirmed. Tough news since Brown played in the team’s 3 postseason games last year. pic.twitter.com/5FAPINrvi1
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) August 15, 2020
In addition to losing Brown, Bashaud Breeland, an assumed starter on the outside, is going to miss several games with a suspension to open the season. Antonio Hamilton, who was signed to add depth and play gunner on special teams, is dealing with a groin injury. Undrafted free agent Lavert Hill also missed Saturday’s practice with a hamstring concern. Rookie BoPete Keyes has a fractured orbital bone as well.
Suddenly, the Chiefs find themselves missed four corners due to injuries of varying concern—one for the season—and one experienced player who won’t open the season.
The Chiefs aren’t in panic mode at all at this point. They’ve known about Breeland’s suspension for some time and the rest of these injuries were all competing for a roster spot.
Charvarius Ward is still anchoring one boundary and Rashad Fenton is also back after a promising rookie season. Highly regarded rookie L’Jarius Sneed could be given major reps earlier than necessary, but that could also pay dividends down the road. Tyrann Mathieu is the versatile performer who can step into the slot until more bodies are ready.
Still the Chiefs are going to need some further competition in camp if some players can’t get healthy very soon. There are a few faces that make sense given their history with the team and/or with Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.