The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for critical decisions concerning their cornerback lineup this offseason, with a particular focus on Trent McDuffie. Known for their strong cornerback unit in recent years, the Chiefs excel in developing talent like Marcus Peters, Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, and Jaylen Watson. However, with Watson becoming a free agent and McDuffie entering the final year of his rookie deal, the franchise faces tough choices on how to proceed with these players.
Pro Football Focus Ranks Chiefs’ Cornerbacks Among NFL’s Best
Pro Football Focus (PFF) recently released its list of the top 20 cornerbacks for the 2025 season, highlighting three Chiefs players: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and rookie Nohl Williams. McDuffie secured the No. 12 spot, praised for his versatility and impact on defense before a knee injury sidelined him for the last four games.
“As a key chess piece in Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit, McDuffie is one of the most well-rounded cornerbacks in the NFL. Although he was unable to play in the final four games of the season after suffering a knee injury, he managed to finish in the top 18 in PFF coverage (74.7, 17th), run-defense (78.5, 14th) and tackling (83.1, third) grades.” – Pro Football Focus
Following closely, rookie cornerback Nohl Williams ranked No. 16, rising into a more significant role after McDuffie’s injury revealed his potential on the field.
“The first-year cornerback saw limited run through much of the year, until Trent McDuffie’s injury thrust him into a prominent role. While Williams struggled at times, he showed flashes of what made him a strong pick out of Cal. He finished the year with a top-15 PFF coverage grade (75.6) among qualifying cornerbacks while also ranking in the 93rd percentile in single coverage (71.1).” – Pro Football Focus
Jaylen Watson appeared just below Williams at No. 17, rewarded for a career-best season that also translated into a lucrative contract.
“Watson earned himself a lucrative contract this offseason after producing a career year with the Chiefs. He generated a top-10 mark in passer rating allowed (69.0) into his coverage while recording a pair of interceptions. His biggest leap came as a run defender, where his 83.5 PFF run-defense grade ranked sixth among qualifying cornerbacks.” – Pro Football Focus
Chiefs Weigh Options for Maintaining a Strong Defensive Backfield
With cornerback continuing to be a vital position for Kansas City, the Chiefs face a pivotal decision: continue to prioritize developing young talent or invest heavily to retain established players. Retaining both McDuffie and Watson would demand a significant financial commitment that may exceed the team’s salary cap flexibility. As a result, the organization is expected to choose between re-signing Watson or keeping McDuffie on a long-term contract, or possibly trading one of them to accumulate valuable draft assets.
McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro, currently stands as the team’s top cornerback, but Watson’s recent performance justified a sizeable new deal. Meanwhile, rookies like Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton, who showed strong finishes last season, offer hope that the Chiefs can maintain depth without overspending.
If both McDuffie and Watson depart, the Chiefs would likely need to use draft capital aggressively to replenish their cornerback corps. The potential picks acquired in a McDuffie trade could facilitate that effort. Other players under contract at the position such as Kevin Knowles, Melvin Smith Jr., and safety-cornerback hybrid Chris Roland-Wallace will also factor into the team’s future defensive plans.
The Future of Kansas City’s Cornerbacks Remains Uncertain
The Chiefs’ next moves will significantly influence their defensive identity in the coming seasons. Deciding whether to invest heavily in proven veterans like Trent McDuffie or lean on emerging talent like Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton will require balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. How Kansas City approaches these choices amid salary constraints and roster needs will be a defining storyline as they aim to maintain their reputation for elite defense.
