FanPost

Chiefs Offseason Preview: Defensive backs

In the final installment of this series, I will examine the outlook of the current depth chart at cornerback and safety and look at some cornerbacks that are still on the market.

The Chiefs have five cornerbacks currently under contract: Charvarius Ward, Rashad Fenton, Chris Lammons, Alex Brown and free-agent signee Antonio Hamilton. That is not good. Ward played far better last season than I thought he would heading into the year, but still, he was inconsistent and is not close to a number one corner. Fenton exceeded all of our expectations as well, but is not someone I would be comfortable with as a starter next season. Alex Brown played some special teams last year while Lammons is a complete unknown, but it is too much to expect for either of them play any defensive snaps. Lastly, Hamilton, who was a very good special teamer for the Giants, projects to have a similar role with the Chiefs. However, he did put up some promising play late last season, and is an extremely gifted athlete. I don't expect Hamilton to make a big impact defensively, but if any coaching staff could get the most out of him, it would be the Chiefs.

Both Bashaud Breeland and Morris Claiborne are still free agents. They will not bring back Claiborne, nor do I want them too, but it would not be surprising to see Breeland back, especially since it seems like he may not get the deal he wanted on the market.

It is clear that cornerback needs some major talent infusion both to start and for depth. The only player I trust to be a starter is Ward and Fenton is the only other corner I am comfortable with taking any significant snaps. Ward, Fenton, and Hamilton will be on the roster come Week 1, but the final 2-3 spots still need to be addressed.

Safety has a more positive outlook. Tyrann Mathieu had one of the best seasons of his career and should have another great one, so long as he stays healthy. Juan Thornhill, meanwhile, is reported to be ahead of schedule in his recovery and should continue to improve upon a very good rookie season.

It is not unreasonable to believe that they will not address safety in the coming weeks nor is it unreasonable to believe that they will. Right now they have a good trio between Mathieu, Thornhill, and Daniel Sorensen, and they may stick with that group. However, if the Chiefs want to keep Mathieu as their main slot player, then I could see them adding another safety. Armani Watts looks to have a good shot to make this roster as of now.

Now I will look at some (mostly) cheap options at cornerback still sitting on the market.

Best Options

1. Bashaud Breeland

It seems that other teams may not value Breeland as much as he thinks he is worth. The Chiefs have reportedly kept in contact and at this point it should be in the best interest of both sides for him to return. He put up a very solid level of play last season and most importantly had a great SuperBowl performance.

2. Logan Ryan

Ryan is probably the most expensive option on this list, but like Breeland, put up the best play. He is 29, so the Chiefs shouldn't sign him to a deal that is hard to get out of after the first year but he would make a really solid addition to this team.

3. Ronald Darby

Darby is probably my favorite option on this list.The Chiefs had shown interest in Darby last year before he went back to the Eagles. He did not have a great season with the Eagles last year, but he is still a talented corner heading into his prime at 26 years old. I remember when he came into the league, some argued that he was better than Marcus Peters in coverage. I think that this coaching staff could revitalize his career and get high level play out of him.

Worth Taking A Look

4. Xavier Rhodes

Rhodes has not played well at all the last two seasons for a player that was not really that old and that was continually mentioned among the best at his position before. Rhodes will be 30 by the beginning of the season, but he is someone that the Chiefs can take a cheap flyer on too see if they can salvage his career.

Update: Rhodes has been signed by the Colts, Wilson more likely to be on trading block.

5. Trumaine Johnson

Johnson is another 30 year old corner that had an awful season last year. He has some locker room questions that may deter the Chiefs as well. However, he fits the scheme and The Chiefs have a better chance than anybody at getting competent play out of him for cheap.

6. Prince Amukamara

Amukamara didn't have a great season last year, though he was better then the previous two. He has played for Steve Spagnuolo in the past, which may get him some interest. He is worth taking a flyer on.

Non-Expensive Trade Options

7. Josh Jackson

Jackson had a solid rookie season with the Packers, but was unable to get onto the field last year. The Packers still may have plans for him, but he is a zone corner who put up good ball production in college.

8. William Jackson III

Like Jackson above, the Bengals may have no desire to trade Jackson. His health has been a major concern and his play has slipped. However he has shown a lot of promise in the past, an example being his rookie year where he had a good game against Antonio Brown.

9. Quincy Wilson

Wilson has work-ethic concerns and seems to have fallen somewhat out of favor with the Colts. However, he could be a cheap trade option that is heading into a contract year.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Arrowhead Pride's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Arrowhead Pride writers or editors.