Veteran cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. has returned from a year away recovering from an Achilles surgery, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though the front office bolstered the secondary's depth by adding Kair Elam and Kader Kohou in free agency, there's always room for improvement — especially now that a new face is looking for work, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
"Browns starting CB Martin Emerson Jr, who missed last season after tearing his Achilles, is on a visit with the Texans, source said. Emerson was heading into a contract year after starting 27 games for Cleveland before his injury. Now a potential addition in Houston."Ian Rapoport, NFL Network
Emerson's last healthy season in 2024 was a bit heavy on tackles and a bit light on stats you want as a cornerback. Still, the 2023 campaign was a brilliant one for Emerson: 14 passes defended, four interceptions, and a pivotal role on the No. 1 passing defense in the league with the Cleveland Browns (164.7 yards per game).
Emerson's athleticism may be a step slow, at least at first, but there are reasons to believe he will age well. His six-foot-two frame makes him one of the tallest corners in the NFL. In an ideal world, he'd have been a receiver, but he's as good as it gets as a lockdown corner who excels at jamming receivers off the snap.
That's why the Chiefs should at least consider beating the Texans to the punch if they want to ensure their secondary is as strong as can be.
Chiefs Could Shore Up CB Room Behind Kristian Fulton and Nohl Williams
With Kohou handling the slot, Kristian Futon and Nohl Williams are the top cornerbacks on the Chiefs' depth chart. The offseason losses of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson reshaped this room, putting unlimited pressure on Fulton and Williams.
While Williams' potential makes the gamble worth it, Fulton's injury history makes it difficult to project true CB1 performance this coming fall. In 2025, Fulton had a 26.3% missed-tackle rate and ceded 16.9 yards per reception. A half-season sample size skews against him, but Fulton did not have CB1 numbers.
Adding more potential, even if it comes with more injury baggage, via an Emerson signing would be a good way for general manager Brett Veach and head coachAndy Reid to cap off the offseason. 2025 was not a bad year for the Chiefs' pass defense, but the main components that made them a top-third unit are gone. Slippage may be possible, but having as many low-risk, high-reward names in the secondary is the best way to combat the turnover.
Emerson fits that bill, highlighting why the Chiefs shouldn't wait any longer to contact his agent.