The Kansas City Chiefs have tasked Chamarri Conner with as much as he can handle in his first two NFL seasons. This year, they're expecting those responsibilities to help him blossom into a multi-dimensional weapon for the defense.
Two years ago, the Chiefs selected Conner in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft as an exciting talent at safety who could learn behind Justin Reid and company. The Chiefs had taken similar flyers in the past (think L'Jarius Sneed) who displayed versatility and instincts with plus athleticism, so the risk was an educated one.
Conner was tasked with immediate reps for K.C. in his first season, earning playing time in all 17 games with 7 starts for a Super Bowl contender. He played tons on special teams and had 305 snaps on defense—primarily at free safety but also as a slot corner.
Last year, injuries in the secondary (Jaylen Watson) required Trent McDuffie to shift outside more often and Conner took over primary responsibilities as a nickel corner. He nearly doubled his reps oni defense overall while also adding some box safety reps to his list of demands, while still manning free safety as well.
Conner was a strong, physical player for the Hokies, so he was expected to offer more help in the box, but the Chiefs have gotten a lot more mileage out of him in coverage than expected at this level with improved technique and footwork. He's proven to be a fast learner in myriad roles, and the Chiefs haven't been shy about throwing him to the wolves.
Chamarri Conner has been everywhere for the Chiefs defense, and 2025 could be the year it all clicks for the versatile playmaker.
That's why defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo says he's "real excited" to see what Conner has to offer in 2025. "I think he’s an explosive athlete we’ve gotta get out on the field.”
Now in his third NFL season, he's still under team control for two more years, but he's entering veteran territory. The learning curve is easier, and his instincts can take over.
“I’m real excited about Chamarri [Conner],” said Spagnuolo from Chiefs training camp. “I just watch him out there. He’s become a little bit of a multiple-position guy, which is a good thing. I think you’re certainly going to see him at nickel. You’re going to see him at safety. Then as we get into more exotic personnel packages, he’ll be in there."
The Chiefs aren't short of versatile young talent in the secondary, but the loss of Justin Reid opens up spots at safety already, and Spags' support makes it clear he's still going to factor at nickel despite the ability of McDuffie to slide back inside with Kristian Fulton's signing in free agency.
Conner is often overlooked as a defensive contributor for the Chiefs in larger discussions of the team's defensive talent. Spags' comments are a good reminder that the best is likely yet to come for Conner.