The Kansas City Chiefs will not be in the postseason for the first time since 2014. After being officially eliminated on Sunday, the focus should shift to how K.C. utilizes these final three weeks of the season. Specifically, depth options and younger players should see increased playing time and opportunities.
It is not worth giving all remaining reps to the starters. With several major decisions looming this offseason, Kansas City needs to evaluate which options are worth investing in moving forward.
With that in mind, here are four Chiefs defenders who need more playing time over the final three weeks.
The final three weeks should be used to evaluate younger defenders and depth pieces who could factor into the Chiefs’ 2026 plans.
1. Jeffrey Bassa, LB
A rookie fifth-round pick this year, Bassa has primarily made his impact on special teams. Of his 234 snaps this season, 221 have come in the kicking game. Now, the Chiefs should begin working him into the defensive lineup.
Bassa was viewed as a strong communicator with reliable instincts in the middle of the defense. He turned heads early during rookie minicamp and continued to do so throughout training camp.
We cannot rule out potential changes to the linebacker room this upcoming offseason. With Leo Chenal scheduled for free agency, Kansas City should not waste a chance to get Bassa a solid workload on defense.
2. Zacch Pickens, DL
A former third-round pick of the Chicago Bears, Zacch Pickens joined the Chiefs’ practice squad just before the regular season began. He has yet to appear in a game this season, but that should change over the final three weeks of 2025.
Kansas City has not significantly upgraded the defensive tackle spot alongside Chris Jones in years. It would be valuable to see whether Pickens could earn a place on the depth chart heading into 2026, as the Chiefs can only lean on Derrick Nnadi and Mike Pennel for so long.
Pickens’ size is an intriguing trait in the middle of the defensive line. As a run defender, his anchor and gap-plugging ability from his South Carolina days could make him a younger option worth a closer look.
3. Cooper McDonald, LB
Signed as an undrafted free agent, Cooper McDonald was another solid find for K.C. in the UDFA market. Like Bassa, McDonald has contributed primarily on special teams this season. While preseason evaluations can only go so far, he consistently showed sound positioning when given opportunities.
McDonald displayed adequate range and strong read-and-react skills, particularly when chasing runs to the perimeter. He also avoided being a liability in coverage. After working hard all season, now is the time to give him a larger role.
4. Kristian Fulton, CB
This name carries a different context than the others listed. Kristian Fulton was signed to a two-year deal last offseason with expectations of being a serviceable outside cornerback. Injuries during training camp and the preseason delayed his chances, and even after getting healthy, his opportunities were limited. When he did see the field, the results were largely negative.
Fulton is set to carry a higher base salary and cap hit next season, though the dead cap hit would be just $8 million—a manageable figure in today’s NFL. Regardless of whether his fate is already leaning one way, it is still worth seeing if he can produce positive snaps down the stretch. If he does, the Chiefs may be able to view him as a top four or five cornerback option heading into next year.