The Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach has once again orchestrated a masterful offseason. With strategic roster management, he secured long-term deals for defensive tackle Chris Jones while rewarding tight end Travis Kelce with a well-deserved raise.
Although the Kansas City Chiefs have maintained their formidable roster, some rivals, like the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, have been forced into major roster changes, while the Cincinnati Bengals still face uncertainty around wide receiver Tee Higgins.
In free agency, Kansas City acquired wide receiver Marquise Brown to bolster their offensive attack. They further strengthened their ranks in the 2024 NFL Draft with wide receiver Xavier Worthy and offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia. However, following the trade of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, attention now shifts to fortifying the defense.
Kansas City Chiefs Eye Stephon Gilmore Boost
The defensive overhaul is critical for maintaining the high standard that brought Kansas City their latest Super Bowl victory. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report suggests that veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore is an excellent fit for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Stephon Gilmore, the 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), is known for his game-clinching interception against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII while playing for the New England Patriots. His versatility allows him to adapt to various defensive schemes seamlessly.
During his time with the Patriots, Gilmore excelled in man coverage in 2018 and switched gears to effectively lead the zone-heavy defense that neutralized the Rams in the Super Bowl. Although Gilmore will be 34 by the 2024 season, his experience, leadership, and skill set could provide immense value to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Sneed was crucial to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s secondary schemes, often rotating into a safety role in inverted Cover 2 defenses and other disguised coverages. With Sneed gone, Kansas City could struggle to execute similar strategies unless they find a worthy replacement.
Trent McDuffie has shown promise, while Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams have yet to demonstrate consistent brilliance. Rookie Kamal Hadden, a sixth-round pick, may not have an immediate impact. Gilmore, with his mental acuity and tactical versatility, would provide a stabilizing presence in the secondary, offering flexibility to execute varied defensive schemes.
12 weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs were back-to-back Super Bowl Champions! 🏆🏆
pic.twitter.com/bM2v0ZFdVs— Brad Henson Productions (@BradHensonPro) May 5, 2024
Stephon Gilmore, Kansas City Chiefs’ Missing Piece?
Stephon Gilmore enjoyed a stellar season with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023, boasting career-highs in tackles while allowing just an 82.7 passer rating in coverage. However, his return to Dallas isn’t out of the question, potentially driving up his price. While he might not be the cheapest option, his potential to significantly improve Kansas City’s defense makes him a feasible investment.
In pursuit of another championship, the Kansas City Chiefs may find that Gilmore is precisely the veteran presence their secondary needs to stay ahead of the competition. His ability to adapt to various coverages could be the key to another defensive stronghold as they look to defend their title.
