For the last couple of seasons, Chamarri Conner has been asked to do too much for the Kansas City Chiefs. And just like anyone tasked with shouldering too great a load, the results have not been positive for all parties involved. This year, however, could be a defining one for the Chiefs' defensive back.
For the first time in a few years, Conner looks like he's going to stay within the comfortable range of his natural skill set. And in so doing, he might just be able to shed the unfavorable reputation that has been frustratingly placed upon him.
It's not Conner's fault that K.C. defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has asked the safety to do too much. Instead of playing an important rotational role as a box safety, the Chiefs often force Conner into coverage roles in the slot. Things haven't worked out in that regard, as Conner put up a 46.4 grade in coverage per Pro Football Focus.
Spags is known to value versatility in such a role, and trying to use the same player in multiple ways could be a boon for the unit if the player has the range to handle all such responsibilities. That said, Conner has shown time and again that he's not capable of holding up under such demands.
Of course, this is not the first time such hopes have been floated. Conner looked like he was destined for a greater shift to safety instead of balancing the two roles after Justin Reid left. However, Spags kept playing Conner in the slot in 2025 anyway—one of many perplexing usage decisions in the secondary a year ago.
But this year, the Chiefs' front office approach has clarified the lessons learned. Free-agent cornerback Kader Kohou was added in free agency. Oregon's Jadon Canady was drafted in the fourth round of the 2026 draft. Christian Roland-Wallace is a holdover competitor from last season who showed promise in the role and all three were competing in OTAs.
The Chiefs added Alohi Gilman to help replace Bryan Cook, who signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, but it's clear that Conner is going to be a major asset at safety. Now it appears that he's going to stay there, which should give him a chance to show what he can do when allowed to remain in his comfort zone.
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