As we close in on the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 training camp, looking at the current depth chart and considering players who can't afford a bad start is a worthy task. This shines a light on the safety position, where veteran free agent addition Alohi Gilman is clearly set to be at the top and set the tone for the unit.
It is Chamarri Connor and Chris Roland-Wallace currently favored to rotate in and out until the Chiefs figure out exactly what secondary group works best together and offers the highest level of consistency. There is, however, one name omitted and yet to be mentioned.
2024 draft selection Jaden Hicks, who has gone from an afterthought to having a possible path into the starting lineup. This is by far the closest that Hicks has been to having a real path to a starting job. Blocked by established veterans in his first two seasons, Hicks has been limited to a contributing role, but he now has a clear chance to change that this season.
One Chiefs training camp competition could launch Jaden Hicks into the starting lineup
Hicks finished the 2025 season by playing 43% of the snaps, during which he posted 42 total tackles, four passes defensed, and half a sack. Not to mention the three interceptions he tallied in his rookie season. It's enough experience to give the defensive back a clear chance at a starting role heading into a year where it seems nearly every Chiefs position group has a starting role up for grabs.
Gilman's position isn't in any danger, and both Roland-Wallace and Connor have more experience that can be leaned on. This doesn't erase the chance that lies in front of Hicks, but it makes it clear that if the defender is going to claim a starting role, it is going to start in the dog days of training camp. It will take a hot start to the summer and a continued level of production throughout the year from the almost 24-year-old to lock down a meaningful role.
It gives Kansas City fans a clear piece to keep an eye on throughout camp and into the preseason. Hicks emerging as a consistent contributor would be a welcome change that gives much-needed stability to a unit that lost a handful of key starters over the last two seasons. Hicks becoming an answer for Steve Spagnuolo two years after being selected 133rd in the draft would fit a roster that has a long history of strong development.
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