An NFL team never knows just how many bodies they'll need at a particular position to make it through a given season. The rigors of a full season are many, and injuries are unpredictable. Even a loaded roster can find itself limping toward the finish line when trying to make it through the gauntlet of 17 regular-season games (and perhaps even more).
That said, some positions end up more stacked than others for every franchise, and it's possible that, on paper, the Kansas City Chiefs will have an abundance of riches at cornerback heading into the 2025 campaign.
Coming into the offseason, the Chiefs already had reasons to feel good about their depth and talent at cornerback given the holdovers on the roster. Trent McDuffie led the pack as one of the NFL's elite talents and true lockdown options. He's also a candidate to stick around for the long haul given the extension rumors circulating this spring.
The Chiefs could be loaded at cornerback in 2025, at least on paper.
Beyond McDuffie, the Chiefs also have Jaylen Watson coming into his contract season. Watson took a major leap forward last season, even when dealing with an ankle injury, and cemented himself as a starter outside. Since he's coming into the final year of his rookie deal, Watson will be plenty motivated to play his best in the hopes of cashing in next spring in free agency.
Beyond McDuffie and Watson, the Chiefs also brought back Joshua Williams as a nice depth piece who can step in on the boundary when called upon. The same can be said for Nazeeh Johson, who will be even further distanced from his injury issues of the past, which could signal stronger play going forward. Both Williams and Johnson are also in their contract seasons as well.
Chamarri Conner is also an interesting prospect who struggled more than expected in the slot but remains a promising versatile defensive back competing for snaps. While he might be better suited at safety, Conner needs to be mentioned in any conversation about corner options.
The Chiefs used free agency to further bolster the position and give themselves a very solid trio of presumed starters with the addition of Kristian Fulton on a two-year deal. Fulton gives the Chiefs another option outside, which allows them to slide McDuffie inside, where he plays best. In other words, Fulton is not only a good corner himself, but he makes the Chiefs' best asset in the secondary even better.
Here's where things could get even more interesting, however. It makes sense for general manager Brett Veach to add a corner in this year's draft class with so many players scheduled for free agency next spring. McDuffie has yet to sign a new deal and Fulton is out after 2026. The Chiefs could conceivably go from loaded to lacking.
But let's say the Chiefs land a player like East Carolina's Shavon Revel in the second round or Virginia Tech's Dorian Strong later in the draft—just as examples. Such a player could leap over Williams and Johnson and become a top option to spell the lead three on the depth chart. At least for the coming season, Steve Spagnuolo would be ecstatic with his options.
What's also important to consider here is the level of success the Chiefs have had with low-level draft prospects and signings. The Chiefs have Eric Scott, Christian Roland-Wallace, and Darius Rush on the roster for a reason, and other competitors are going to join the mix this summer.
If everyone stays healthy (and that's the major caveat here), the Chiefs' wealth at corner will be the envy of the league. It would also bode well for the chance to field an elite defense once again in 2025.
