Chiefs Pushed to Reunite With Former All-Pro at Need Position

The Kansas City Chiefs Need to Strengthen Cornerback Depth Before Playoffs

The Kansas City Chiefs may be sitting pretty at 9-0 this season, but that doesn’t mean their front office, led by general manager Brett Veach, is resting on their laurels.

As they head into Week 11, a couple of key areas are still a cause for concern, particularly at left tackle and cornerback.

While the Chiefs’ offense continues to perform at a high level, there’s a growing need to shore up the cornerback position as the team looks ahead to the playoffs.

Analyst Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report recently emphasized the importance of addressing this gap, especially with an eye on the postseason and potential championship run.

Ballentine noted that despite the Chiefs’ strong moves at the trade deadline, including acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and adding pass rusher Josh Uche, the cornerback depth remains a glaring issue.

With standout rookie Trent McDuffie anchoring the secondary, the Chiefs need more reliable options at cornerback to strengthen their defense.

McDuffie has been solid, but the team needs additional support to make sure they are prepared for the tough competition in the playoffs.

Ballentine suggested that one potential solution could be re-signing Marcus Peters, the former All-Pro cornerback who started his career in Kansas City before playing for the Las Vegas Raiders last season.

While Peters’ performance with the Raiders in 2023 didn’t inspire much confidence, Ballentine believes a return to Kansas City could rejuvenate his career.

The idea is that joining a playoff-contending team could help Peters find his form and add depth to a cornerback group that is thin beyond McDuffie.

If Peters were to sign, he would likely start on the practice squad and be called up if needed, providing a low-risk option for the Chiefs as they prepare for the playoffs.

However, whether Peters is the best choice is still up for debate. The Chiefs are clearly aware of their need for cornerback help, as evidenced by their efforts during the trade deadline.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Kansas City was actively monitoring potential cornerback trades and even considered acquiring Marshon Lattimore, but the right deal never materialized.

That’s a strong indication that the Chiefs recognize they need more depth at the position, especially with the postseason on the horizon.

The Chiefs’ cornerbacks have shown some weaknesses in recent weeks. In their Week 10 matchup, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson allowed 54 receiving yards and a high completion percentage against him, while McDuffie also struggled.

Denver’s rookie quarterback Bo Nix exploited these weaknesses, posting impressive passer ratings when targeting both of them. While McDuffie remains the top option, the lack of depth behind him could be a problem in the playoffs, especially if injuries occur.

Beyond McDuffie and Johnson, the Chiefs’ options at cornerback are slim, and players like Keith Taylor or Darius Rush may not provide the level of reliability needed for a Super Bowl push.

There are still a few veteran cornerbacks available on the market, including the experienced Xavien Howard. Though he was reportedly offered a contract by the Cincinnati Bengals, Howard did not reach an agreement, and he is now training on his own. If Howard is too expensive, the Chiefs could also consider other veterans such as Patrick Peterson, J.C. Jackson, or K’Waun Williams. Another option could be to lure someone like Steven Nelson out of retirement, although free-agent options are running low. The Chiefs may also look at practice squads across the league, but it’s a risky move, as they would have to sign any player they poach directly to their 53-man roster.

As the playoff race heats up, strengthening the cornerback position is a necessity for the Chiefs if they want to remain a top contender. Whether they choose to re-sign Marcus Peters or pursue a different veteran, adding depth and experience to the secondary could make all the difference when facing off against some of the NFL’s most potent offenses in the postseason.