Looking at the current Kansas City Chiefs roster, it is hard to argue for any clear areas of improvement. If the rebuilt offensive line performs as expected and wide receiver Rashee Rice can continue to dominate upon his return from suspension, there is zero reason to doubt the dynasty continues.
Still, a big piece of what has made KC great is a desire to continue to improve at every possible turn. Even if it means looking to bring in a frustrating rival.
No other player in the career of Patrick Mahomes has intercepted the quarterback more than twice, other than a familiar villain. Justin Simmons consistently found a way to haunt the Chiefs during his years in Denver and continued this theme last season with the Atlanta Falcons. Although the year didn't go as planned, Simmons still showed incredible effort and made a play to create another Chiefs' turnover and allow the Falcons to hang in the game.
Chiefs Must Consider Signing Former Rival S Justin Simmons
Simmons remains a free agent and could be the final perfect addition to the Kansas City roster. However, this is where it is important to look at the three current options for safety in Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks, and Chamarri Connor. The trio appears to be on solid footing, giving the signing of the veteran limited upside.
Still, the idea of adding the former rival to help Mahomes and the Chiefs is too enticing not to consider. With questions remaining about the secondary, it would be an easy signing to sell and a potential bargain. Simmons has waited to find a landing spot so deep into free agency that you can easily sign the veteran to a prove-it deal that can be escaped if there is nothing left in the tank.
Best case, the Chiefs find a way to turn back the clock and return Simmons to his dominating form. The flip side is that the move doesn't work, and Simmons rides the bench, or they can easily turn the page from the struggling veteran. It doesn't hurt their cap space or shake up the starting lineup. The two-time Pro Bowl safety adds experience and a unique perspective as one of the few defenders to ever consistently get the better of Mahomes.
Perhaps this is bringing more value than anything; Simmons can offer insight on how he has haunted Mahomes and make the league's best starter just a touch better. Feeding off each other in practice or offering what he is reading on tape from the quarterback. All of this adds up to a great case for the Chiefs to consider the signing. It is easy to argue that dropping one of the fringe receivers could be beneficial to add a bit more experience and secondary depth.
It is at least a signing worth considering as we move closer towards the regular season. Seeing the once-hated rival on the better side, contributing to the dynastic Chiefs even in a reserve role, is a cool story. One that makes the roster just a touch better as the 2025 season finally gets underway.