The Kansas City Chiefs can now go into the NFL Draft with no aims at safety with a complete unit after signing Deon Bush.
The latest move by the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency was a small one with the re-signing of safety Deon Bush. It was a move intended to bolster a position that was already largely set, but it also gives the Chiefs important experience and depth for special teams play as well. That should make Dave Toub quite happy.
Bush came to the Chiefs last season as a single-season signing from the Chicago Bears. Bush was essentially a replacement for Armani Watts as a fourth safety and special teams player, and the fact that he’s returning so quickly in free agency (instead of languishing among available players) shows the Chiefs’ trust in him to compete for a meaningful role and to perform what’s asked of him without error.
The move to sign Bush brings a nice core quartet to the safety position. Justin Reid is the leader of a group that lost Juan Thornhill to the Cleveland Browns on a three-year deal. However, the Chiefs invested a second-round selection last year in Bryan Cook and he should ascend to a starting role for the Chiefs—hopefully for the next three years.
Behind these players is Mike Edwards, who enjoyed a nice breakout season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after Antoine Winfield Jr. went down with an injury. Edwards is a third safety on the depth chart, but the Chiefs play in pass-heavy packages so much on defense that all three should earn significant time, except for Bush.
If the Chiefs like a safety in the draft, they can certainly chase one if they like the talent, fit, and value. But there’s no pressure for anyone to do so at this point knowing a strong group is in place for 2023.
Here’s what’s trending in other Chiefs news
Frank Clark’s free agent fits (NFL Trade Rumors)
The Bears and Seahawks are among the teams listed as best fits for the former Chiefs pass rusher at this stage of free agency. For what they are trying to build, the Bears would do well to sign him, but a homecoming makes for a nice story for Clark out West.
Patrick Mahomes surprises White House football team (Chiefs Wire)
Mahomes is such a great community leader and is always making appearances that mean so much to so many. It’s fun to see him inspiring those who are from his same high school.