The Kansas City Chiefs are in search of pieces that will help them return to the playoffs in 2026, and last week’s start to free agency was a key part of the process. The Chiefs swung big early, landing Kenneth Walker and Khyiris Tonga to add a boost to both sides of the ball, but the special teams unit didn’t get the same treatment despite the return of Nikko Remigio.
Remigio has long been a favorite of special teams coordinator Dave Toub, but his performance hasn’t warranted the loyalty. The 26-year-old took a big step back after his first season as the Chiefs’ primary kick and punt returner, and many were hoping for an upgrade as Kansas City ventured into free agency this spring.
Unfortunately, the Chiefs let one slip away on Sunday morning when NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that Devin Duvernay agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals. The deal is a missed opportunity for the Chiefs to add competition to their return game and also add a player who could have played a bigger role in the Kansas City offense next season.
Chiefs Miss Special Teams Opportunity After Passing on Devin Duvernay
Duvernay wouldn’t have been a seismic signing for the Chiefs, but he could have definitely upgraded their return game. A former All-Pro returner with the Baltimore Ravens in 2021, Duvernay performed well for the Chicago Bears in 2025, averaging 11.0 yards per punt return and 26.7 yards per kickoff return.
Those numbers also came with a knack for big plays when needed the most. During a Week 11 game against the Minnesota Vikings, Duvernay answered a late J.J. McCarthy touchdown pass to Jordan Addison with a 56-yard return that set up the game-winning field goal by Cairo Santos. Duvernay also ripped off a 52-yard return on the opening kickoff of a Week 15 win over the Cleveland Browns and racked up 1,069 kick return yards to help Chicago win the field position battle last season.
While special teams were strictly Duvernay’s role in Chicago, he’s also shown an ability to have a depth spot on offense. In six seasons, Duvernay has caught 107 passes for 1,003 yards and five touchdowns, including catching 37 passes for 407 yards and three touchdowns during the 2022 season with the Ravens.
At $2.5 million, the Chiefs could have not only provided competition for Remigio but also made up for the expected loss of Marquise “Hollywood” Brown behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, and Tyquan Thornton in free agency. But instead, the Chiefs will likely hope someone takes the job from within.
Remigio could be that player, but it’s hard to rely on him. After averaging 9.5 yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kickoff return in 2024, Remigio’s averages dropped with more playing time, averaging 7.6 yards per punt return and 25.6 yards per kickoff return last season. He has also caught just three passes in two seasons with the Chiefs, signaling he’s unlikely to serve a role on the back end of the depth chart.
Kansas City has some intriguing options to challenge Remigio, even though Brashard Smith never seemed to earn Toub’s trust in his rookie season and may not be on the roster after the Chiefs added Walker and Emari Demercado this offseason. Jalen Royals could also take over, but his future also doesn’t look bright after two catches for four yards and one 30-yard kickoff return during an injury-plagued rookie season.
With Toub’s loyalty already causing the Chiefs to pass up a better returner in Skyy Moore, it appears Kansas City is willing to let it happen again as a top return option like Duvernay finds a new home.