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The Kansas City Chiefs have made a few additions to their vaunted defense in free agency. This unit was one of the best in the NFL over the past season and played a significant role in why this franchise was able to win a third straight AFC Championship. That being said, the defense did show some flaws in Super LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles.
As the Chiefs were stacking the box to contain star running back Saquon Barkley, several of their corners struggled on islands against the Eagles’ star wideout. The front office, therefore, has added more depth to the secondary with the offseason acquisition of former Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton. This addition is a perfect fit, based on recent comments from the best player on this unit, Trent McDuffie.
The two-time All-Pro has had to play multiple positions in the secondary due to the group's thinness last year. Fulton’s presence allows McDuffie to return to his natural position as a slot cornerback, which can take this defense to the next level. In an interview with Chiefs Wire reporter Ed Easton Jr., the 24-year-old was adamant about doing whatever was best for the team positionally.
"During our actual exit interviews, they kind of talked about wanting to put me back inside during certain situations; it kind of just allows me to influence the game a little bit more in there," McDuffie said. "A little bit more blitzing and things like that. But, as far as playing outside and matching up, I told them, ‘I’ll do anything I can. ' Outside, inside, cover, whatever you need me to do. That's where I stand ever since I came in, and that's what I'm going to continue to do.”
McDuffie’s selfless comments say it all about why he’s already a two-time Super Bowl champion. The star cornerback’s versatility and consistency have been the backbone of a defense that seems to be improving every single year. Having the depth to put McDuffie back into the slot cornerback position is an encouraging sign that this group will take another step up in 2025.
