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Rashad Fenton deserves more recognition and opportunity for Chiefs

By Travis Steffen

ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 19: Rashad Fenton #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on October 19, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Kansas City beats Buffalo 26 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - OCTOBER 19: Rashad Fenton #27 of the Kansas City Chiefs on the field before a game against the Buffalo Bills at Bills Stadium on October 19, 2020 in Orchard Park, New York. Kansas City beats Buffalo 26 to 17. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /
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Oct 11, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Rashad Fenton (27) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 11, 2020; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) catches a pass as Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Rashad Fenton (27) defends during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Rashad Fenton continues to take advantage of limited opportunities in 2020 but has yet to receive the recognition he deserves.

During the first four weeks of the season, Rashad Fenton saw considerable playing time for the Kansas City Chiefs. He entered for Charvarius Ward in the second half against the Houston Texans in Week 1 after Ward suffered a fractured hand. Through the next three games, Fenton played nearly 100 percent of the defensive snaps.

In Week 5, Bashaud Breeland returned from his suspension, pushing Fenton down the depth chart. Ward was forced back onto the field after rookie cornerback L’Jarius Sneed went down with an injury.

Since then, Breeland and Ward have occupied the boundary reps as the starters. With safety Tyrann Mathieu being the primary slot defender in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, Fenton’s usage has dropped from nearly 100 percent of the defensive snaps to 40-50 percent.

Despite his snaps being cut in half over the last five games, Fenton has continued to impress in his role. As a sixth-round pick in 2019, it’s been eye-opening to see him be able to fill several roles within the defense already—all without being a liability. He’s shown that he can be counted on whether he’s playing on the boundary, in the slot, or a hybrid slot/safety.

The Kansas City Chiefs have some decisions to make this offseason again when it comes to the secondary. Several players are set to become restricted and unrestricted free agents. Could the Chiefs be looking to replace one of those players with Fenton? What role do they want him to take over in the future?

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