The Kansas City Chiefs have had one of the NFL's best defenses for several years, largely dependent on the organization's terrific efforts in drafting and developing mid-to-late-round defensive backs.
Guys like Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, L'Jarius Sneed, Chamarri Conner, and Nazeeh Johnson have all been successes, fitting defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's scheme like a glove as the Chiefs pulled off the best three-year stretch in league history.
In a surprising move on the second day of free agency, Kansas City signed former Los Angeles cornerback Kristian Fulton on a two-year, $20 million deal. Unfortunately for specifically Watson, that means his days as a starter are officially over.
Chiefs Sign Former Chargers CB Kristian Fulton in Surprise Free Agency Move
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Chiefs will give Fulton $15 million guaranteed. His $10 million annual salary is just $5 million shy of Nick Bolton's figure, suggesting that Fulton was acquired with the idea of being a starter.
Originally a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Fulton spent the first four years of his career with the Tennessee Titans before spending one season with the Chargers. He ranked 40th out of 223 qualified cornerbacks at Pro Football Focus, suggesting he's one of the better No. 2 corners in the league.
We know that Trent McDuffie is a star and his job isn't in danger, though Watson's is. Watson emerged as the theroetical Sneed replacement during 2024 though a fractured ankle limited his time on the field. Based on the contract numbers, it appears that the coaching staff views McDuffie and Fulton as starters with Watson serving as a complementary option.
Fans should expect Watson to earn a significant amount of playing time, yet this is a classic scenario of the Chiefs strengthening one of the better parts of their defense. Johnson and Williams struggled significantly in coverage in Watson's absence, creating the need to have a backup plan if anyone suffered an injury.
Now, Fulton becomes one of the more intriguing players to watch throughout the summer. Here's hoping he makes Los Angeles pay for letting him walk to a key division rival and delivers on his immense promise with this contract.