Now that we know Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah is retiring it's time to revisit the Chiefs list of needs with safety rising near the top. The Chiefs have Eric Berry and Ron Parker as their top two safeties next season. However, the Chiefs play a lot of defense with more than two safeties on the field so they need plenty of depth there. In other years, the Chiefs have had at least 3-4 safeties that play regularly. Last year that was Berry and Parker along with Abdullah (retiring) and Tyvon Branch (signed with Cardinals).
So what's the solution here?
The Chiefs have some options in-house with Jamell Fleming, a cornerback last year who is moving to safety. He's really an unknown because of the position switch but if he works out he could be one of the answers here. Daniel Sorensen played last year when Abdullah was out with a concussion so he's someone to consider in a depth role.
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More than likely, the Chiefs need to add some help here, whether that's in free agency or the draft. GM John Dorsey has been solid in finding safeties off the street. Abdullah hadn't played in over a year when he was signed and turned out to be a great signing. Quintin Demps was solid in KC before leaving in free agency as was Kurt Coleman, a Chiefs safety before heading to Carolina where he had a career year. Ron Parker was a waiver wire pickup before turning that into a multi-year contract in KC. Tyvon Branch was the latest safety to revive his career in KC. Past history says the Chiefs can find someone out there to help.
As for the draft, I scoffed when Todd McShay's mock draft suggested the Chiefs draft safety Vonn Bell out of Ohio State. Now? I'm not laughing quite as much. The Chiefs need more secondary help whether that's at corner or safety. It's rising on the Chiefs list of needs.