One of the bigger offseason concerns facing the Kansas City Chiefs is a lack of depth at safety. Proven veteran Bryan Cook is scheduled to hit free agency, leaving the Chiefs with every reason to look for cheap depth.
One potential option that has presented itself is former NFL safety Nasir Adderley. The defender was a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the 2019 season and played there until retiring in 2022. Now, Adderley has announced his intention to return to the league, handing the Chiefs a clear opportunity.
Not only are you going to have the chance to steal a former division rival, but Kansas City would do so at a position of need where you could find surprise value. Any deal that Adderley is offered is going to be one without guarantees built around the veteran proving that three years away from the game didn't erode his ability. The Chiefs are in the perfect position to offer this as an attractive landing spot thanks to their need at the position and Super Bowl history.
Adderley can be brought in as a wildcard contender at a position that remains a huge question mark. If the safety proves to find his form, you've got a borderline starting option or great depth at an incredibly low cost. If Adderley is far too rusty and unable to get back up to speed, the Chiefs can turn the page without any financial concerns.
Chiefs Should Consider Former Rival Nasir Adderley After NFL Return
Adderley retired with 232 career tackles, to go along with five turnovers and 12 pass deflections. While it was a short-lived career, it was solid enough production that the defensive back wouldn't have had a problem finding a starting role if he hadn't opted to retire. This points to an opportunity in front of Kansas City to help Adderley find this form yet again, at an incredibly low cost.
For Adderley, the reasons to sign with the Chiefs are both the aforementioned accomplishments and a chance to work with Steve Spagnuolo. The veteran defensive coordinator is well-respected for his ability to get the most out of any defensive back and lead great defensive units. If there is one mind capable of helping Adderley find form once again, it is Spagnuolo.
More importantly, this is a clear chance at a meaningful role. The Chiefs face the real possibility of losing Cook after losing Justin Reid the offseason before. Safety depth is a legitimate area of concern, and having a wildcard like Adderley to drop into the middle of this as a possible answer presents no downside for a franchise badly in need of cheap production.