One of the biggest hits the Kansas City Chiefs felt this offseason was at cornerback, especially with the trade of Trent McDuffie and the free-agent loss of Jaylen Watson to the Los Angeles Rams. The Chiefs addressed those losses by bringing back L'Jarius Sneed, drafting Mansoor Delane, and signing Kader Kohou (a Miami Dolphins fan favorite).
Along with those additions, the Chiefs also took a swing on several UDFAs to fill out the cornerback room. One of those newcomers is D'Arco Perkins-McCallister, an outside cornerback from the University of Louisiana-Monroe who brings experience from every level of Division I football. Now, the question is: What exactly do the Chiefs see in him?
D'Arco Perkins-McCallister's Journey
D'Arco, a former four-star recruit out of Stratford Comprehensive High School in Nashville, Tennessee, began his college career at TCU, where he played in 20 games from 2021-22. However, most of his reps came on special teams. In 2023, he transferred to New Mexico, where he used his redshirt season and did not play. In 2024, he transferred again, this time to Chattanooga, where he appeared in six games and recorded 22 total tackles, four interceptions, and two tackles for loss.
Finally, in 2025, he transferred to Louisiana-Monroe, where he started 10 games and totaled 33 tackles (26 solo), 7 pass breakups, 4 sacks, and 1 blocked kick. During that season, he was targeted 43 times and allowed a 56 percent completion rate.
What Do the Chiefs See?
Judging by his highlight tape, I think the Chiefs see him as a developmental nickel back and special teamer who can be used in blitz packages out of nickel or dime looks. D'Arco displays solid blitzing ability, taking good angles to the quarterback and consistently generating pressure. He also has the foot speed and acceleration to make those plays.
The main question is how he will fare against higher-level offensive talent. His best games in 2025 came against Saint Francis (a former FCS program moving to Division III), UTEP, and Arkansas State. It will be something to watch as he faces NFL-caliber competition.
D'Arco's Competition
D'Arco's competition is very strong, to say the least. If you check the Chiefs' depth chart on ESPN, he does not appear on it. He will have to beat out a multitude of defensive backs, from fellow UDFAs to veterans, including Chris Roland-Wallace, Bryce Phillips, Zelmar Vedder, and many others. The Chiefs have scoured the country for the best available talent to fill that room, and training camp will determine who makes the cut.
If he impresses in camp with his athleticism and blitzing ability, among other traits, it could put some fringe cornerbacks on the roster bubble and potentially land D'Arco on the final 53-man roster instead. Like every other UDFA and player fighting for a roster spot, his future will depend on how well he performs and how quickly he grasps what the Chiefs want to do on defense and special teams.
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