One of the Kansas City Chiefs' most interesting moves in free agency was a big-money substitution at the safety position. After releasing Justin Reid prior to the 2025 season, the Chiefs had a noticeable hole at the lead safety spot. Bryan Cook did an admirable job, but is not the instinctual talent of Reid, and ended up signing with the rival Cincinnati Bengals.
Enter six-year veteran Alohi Gilman, who, before being included in a midseason trade to the Baltimore Ravens last season, worked in tandem alongside Chargers superstar Derwin James for five years in LA. A sixth-round pick in 2020, Gilman quietly rose up the ranks to become a starter in 2023 and has since proven worthy of the Chiefs' handing him a three-year, $24 million deal to be the commanding voice in the secondary.
Steve Spagnuolo has long valued having an elite mind and player on the backend who can bark out orders on the field, prevent any over-the-top big plays, and be a versatile fit. It was a massive success with Tyrann Mathieu, who was a force in turning around the Chiefs' defensive mentality to playing aggressively and smart, helping to win the team's first Super Bowl in 50 years.
And it’s all too well-known the impact and trust Spagnuolo put in Justin Reid to lead the backend to two straight Super Bowl wins and a chance at a three-peat. While Gilman is not near the player as Mathieu (who could very well make the Hall of Fame), and not quite as good as Reid, he's a different mold of player and one the Chiefs feel very comfortable investing a sizable amount of capital in.
Alohi Gilman approaching new role with Chiefs as stepping stone to greatness
In a recent press conference blurb, obtained by KCSN, Gilman said a big proponent of his coming to KC was Spagnuolo's brilliance and being a part of a winning culture:
"“With Coach Spags and his defensive mastermind, I’ve watched all the clips, I’ve watched film, I’ve been in the division, so I’m excited to learn and get better,” Gilman said. “Just the respect, the winning culture, the championship mentality. Winning cures all things, so being a part of this and teaming up to grow and get better and win games is something I’m really attracted to.”"Alohi Gilman
It’s clear that while he understands his role as a new leader on this defense, Gilman is embracing being one piece of a bigger pie on the Chiefs. Coming off a season in which he recorded a career-high in tackles (90), two fumble recoveries, nine passes defensed, and an 84-yard TD return, Gilman may be peaking at the perfect time in his career and ready to lead the Chiefs' secondary to continued Super Bowl-level play.
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