Over the last decade, the Chiefs have had a slew of high-level safeties holding down the back of the defense. Guys like Eric Berry, Tyrann Mathieu, and Justin Reid were some of the best safeties in the NFL throughout their time in Red and Gold. This offseason, the Chiefs made it a clear priority to retool their secondary, and the team has several new faces in the safety room heading into 2026.
The Chiefs' safety room suffered a major loss with Bryan Cook heading to the Bengals in free agency this offseason. Kansas City made several moves, with a major free agency addition as well as two UDFA pick-ups, who they hope can make an impact early in their career. So what can fans expect from the Chiefs and their safeties as they head into the 2026 season?
Alohi Gilman
One of the Chiefs' biggest pickups this offseason came in the addition of former Chargers and Ravens safety Alohi Gilman. Steve Spagnuolo has historically looked to add veteran safeties who can be aggressive downhill players out of the secondary, and Gilman is just that. Kansas City will lean on the leadership and experience Gilman will provide for a young defense looking to reload heading into the 2026-27 season.
Jaden Hicks
This offseason, the Chiefs subtly showed confidence in Jaden Hicks to step up in a big way this season. Coming out of college, Hicks was one of my favorite safeties in the class, flashing elite athletic ability coming out of Washington State in 2024. The Chiefs will likely look to have Hicks creep into the box and closer to the line of scrimmage, utilizing his athleticism and physicality to make plays on the ball. Fans should keep an eye on Hicks to be a major breakout candidate this season.
Chamarri Conner
Conner caught a lot of flak from fans in 2025 after he struggled in a new role. With inconsistency around him, Conner was often pushed into somewhat of a "makeshift slot corner" role with Kansas City. Coming out of college, Conner was seen as a box safety who relied on his physicality to make plays in the run game and stick in coverage with TEs and RBs. Now, the Chiefs' offseason roster changes have opened the door for Conner to return to his natural position in 2026, where he succeeded in the past.
Xavier Nwankpa
Following the conclusion of the 2026 NFL draft, the Chiefs made it a top priority to land former Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa. For the Chiefs, Nwankpa has quickly become the most likely UDFA pickup to make the roster. Kansas City will almost certainly look to carry a fourth safety, and Nwankpa fits the mold of what Steve Spagnuolo loves to see from his safeties. After a strong senior season with Iowa, fans are optimistic that Nwankpa can be a contributor this season.
DeShon Singleton
The final safety spot for the Chiefs in 2026 will likely come down to two UDFA pickups this offseason with Nwankpa and Singleton. While Singleton is the lesser-known of the two, he proved to be a valuable draft prospect himself throughout his time with Nebraska in 2025. The sky is the limit for Singleton, who comes in at 6-2, 210 pounds and is known as an exceptional athlete. If he does not make the week one roster, the Chiefs will more than likely look to stash Singleton on the practice squad for 2026 as he develops his role in the Kansas City defense.
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