Last spring, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to forgo the idea of having a veteran outsider around to help anchor the safety position in the secondary for the first time in six seasons. This year, the Chiefs are going back to that well with the news that they've signed Alohi Gilman in free agency.
On the first day of the legal tampering period before free agency begins officially on Wednesday, the Chiefs were able to reach a reported agreement with Gilman on a three-year contract worth up to $24.75 million, per NFL reporter Tom Pelissero. The deal includes $15 million in guaranteed money.
Gilman is a familiar face for Chiefs Kingdom after having watched him in the Los Angeles Chargers secondary for most of the last six years. Gilman was drafted by the Bolts in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft and slowly grew into a starting role in the second half of his tenure. During that time, Gilman had 27 pass deflections, 5 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions in 85 total games.
The Chiefs have attended to yet another significant need on the first day of free agency by signing Alohi Gilman to a three-year deal.
The last 12 games of his career, however, came with the Baltimore Ravens after he was traded away before the league's trade deadline last November as part of the Odafe Oweh deal. He started all 12 games for the Ravens and was an important addition to the defense for the way he allowed Kyle Hamilton to be utilized as a chess piece. Gilman's range on the back end of the defense became a vital component down the stretch.
When Steve Spagnuolo first arrived in Kansas City to become the defensive coordinator, he leaned on veteran safeties to execute his hopes in the backfield. Tyrann Mathieu was the on-field leader and punishing presence he needed in his first three seasons. Justin Reid followed suit for the next three. In 2025, however, the Chiefs let the kids grow in their roles, and the results were mixed. Bryan Cook blossomed in a contract year, but others withered with too much responsibility.
Gilman's arrival signals a shift back to the days of having a veteran leader to help shepherd the secondary. He also helps keep the Chiefs from having to force anything in the draft with Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks in tow. It would make sense for K.C. to still chase a potential starter given the depth and talent of this year's safety class. However, Gilman is a savvy signing for a team that just lost Cook and several other DBs in free agency.