Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo on secondary depth: ‘Somebody's got to step up’

The Kansas City Chiefs defense was one of the top-tier units in the league last season, with solid play at each level. The off-season changes could make things different for the talented group heading into the 2024 campaign.

Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo spoke with reporters after Monday’s practice, focusing on the desire to see a defensive back take a significant step forward in helping to solidify the secondary.

“Well, we know who our number one is, right? We all know that, and we’re just trying to find guys. We’re gonna have to find our next two best players.” said Spagnuolo. “However, that works out. We know Nahzee (Johnson), (is) dealing with this little injury right now. Josh (Joshua Williams) has been out there (and so has) Kelvin (Joseph). There are a lot of guys mixing in there, but somebody’s got to surface, and if not, it gets tough.”

Spagnuolo has made it no secret that L’Jarius Sneed’s departure has changed the secondary’s identity. The goal at training camp is to find a solid second corner next to All-Pro Trent McDuffie.

“You can have the best pass rush in the world, but these receivers get open quick if you’re not able to cover them, so we’ve got some developing to do,” said Spagnuolo. “We certainly miss LJ (L’Jarius Sneed), but somebody’s got to step up there and take that. (I’m) waiting for somebody to assert themselves and say that I’m that guy who can do it.”

The upcoming preseason games will help determine who answered Spagnuolo’s call and who eventually gets the starting spot.