The Kansas City Chiefs didn't look great against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, losing 27-21. Though the offense started off slow, Kansas City's defense was a glaring issue. While much of that can be credited to the lack of pass rush, the Chiefs' secondary, especially the safeties, didn't play well.
That said, one veteran safety who would have been a nice addition to the room recently signed with another AFC team. According to Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers have signed safety Jabrill Peppers.
Peppers would have been a nice depth piece, with the ability to step in if another Chiefs safety was struggling for Kansas City. Unfortunately, they missed their chance to sign the veteran.
Chiefs Miss Out on Veteran Safety Jabrill Peppers
Peppers, who had spent the past three seasons with the New England Patriots, was one of the team's surprise cuts on roster cutdown day. After being selected 25th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft, Peppers failed to live up to his potential and was traded to the New York Giants. In New York, he still struggled to be a consistent difference maker.
However, over his past three seasons with the Patriots, the 29-year-old has proven why he was such a high draft pick. Over three years in New England, Peppers has recorded 178 tackles, 10 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and three interceptions. Moreover, he recorded a grade of 80.0 or higher in pass coverage and run defense in two of his three seasons.
Thus, it's no surprise that some in Chiefs Kingdom seriously wanted the team to give him a look. In Week 1, safety Jaden Hicks looked lost in coverage. His PFF grades reflect this, as he earned an abysmal 31.2 grade. His tackling grade wasn't much, recording just a 58.3.
Still, former Chiefs safety Justin Reid believes in the young safety. Reid said, "Jaden Hicks is a star in this league. I’ve seen firsthand what this kid can do. One game does not define any player, coach, or team." Reid would know just how talented Hick is after spending an entire season with him in the safety room in 2024.
Nevertheless, Chiefs fans would have preferred to have an insurance policy with Peppers. Given that the rest of the AFC West won in week 1, Kansas City can't afford to fall behind much more. Reinforcing their secondary would have been a smart move as they approach their Super Bowl rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2.