Kansas City Chiefs: Stealing one player from every AFC West rival

David Eulitt/GettyImages
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next

Denver Broncos - CB Patrick Surtain II

I love the young Chiefs defensive backfield as much as anyone, but adding Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II would create a three-headed monster. He, along with 2022 rookie Trent McDuffie and impending free agent L'Jarius Sneed, would cause so many issues for opposing offensive coordinators while giving defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo the lock-down corners necessary for an elite blitz attack. This may be my favorite player to steal for one season in this scenario.

In just his second NFL season, the former ninth-overall pick made the Pro Bowl and was a consensus selection for first-team All-Pro honors. He started all 17 games last season, totaling 60 combined tackles, two interceptions, and ten passes defended. PFF gave him an 86.7 coverage grade, good for second among all qualified cornerbacks in 2022. New Broncos head coach Sean Payton described Surtain as a "prototype for what you're looking for in that position", blending together elite physical and mental traits.

Much like Adams, the Chiefs would be getting a sure thing in adding Surtain. He could come in and be the team's top defensive back from day one. His presence would also force Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson into fewer high-leverage situations in 2023. Both of those players had great moments when they had opportunities, but they still looked like rookies most of the time. Surtain's experience and skill set would also bring stability to the Chiefs' secondary, which struggled at times last season. With his ability to lock down opposing receivers, the defense as a whole would see significant improvement in 2023. 

Other options: WR Jerry Jeudy, RG Quinn Meinerz

Ranking Brett Veach’s player trades as Kansas City Chiefs GM. dark. Next. Brett Veach top trades