KC Chiefs: Evaluating the safety position for Kansas City

Dec 1, 2019; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs free safety Juan Thornhill (22) celebrates after running back an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

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The Kansas City Chiefs have seen a lot of change this season throughout their roster this offseason. They’ve said goodbye to several key starters from the past several seasons, including probably their most vocal leader in safety Tyrann Mathieu.

Safety is a position that Steve Spagnuolo values. Tyrann Mathieu was well-known as the “captain of the secondary” and would ensure that every player in the secondary, not just safeties, was in the correct position. After Mathieu left the 2022 Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills this past season with a concussion, the Chiefs’ secondary was very leaky the entire game, especially late in the 4th quarter. They allowed Bills quarterback Josh Allen to pass for 329 yards and four touchdowns. One can argue that game proves how valuable Mathieu was to the defense in both quality of play and leadership sense.

Let’s take a look at the safety group for the Chiefs this season. Who did they lose? Who did they gain? And who will return in 2022?

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