KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs open the NFL season against the Baltimore Ravens in two weeks, but there is some uncertainty surrounding the second cornerback spot.
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The number one corner spot is occupied and firmly locked up by All-Pro Trent McDuffie. But who will play opposite him is currently unclear.
Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson and Nazeeh Johnson are all competing for the spot. All three have dealt with injuries during the preseason, with Williams getting the most reps. Watson has not played yet in the preseason and Johnson saw his first snaps since 2022. Williams missed practice on Tuesday with a hamstring injury.
Andy Reid suggested that the second cornerback spot could be filled by committee and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuoulo said the spot is wide open as injuries have made it difficult to get a grasp on who the frontrunner is.
“It’s making it really difficult to decide which way to go. You know you got one more game,” Spags said. “We can’t say that there’s a starting other corner right now.”
There is another option that the Chiefs haven’t ruled out the equation, which is bringing in a veteran like the Chiefs did with Bashaud Breeland in 2019.
“I think If you were to talk to Coach Reid or Brett [Veach], I think they’d tell you they’re always looking (for a veteran). And they got their eyes on him and typically Brett will come to me and say ‘Hey, can you look at this guy and that guy.’ I’m sure that’ll happen in these next couple days.”
The Chiefs are also known for developing the players as well, playing a large part in the development of undrafted free agent Charvarius Ward and 7th Round pick L’Jarius Sneed, both who became Pro Bowl caliber players and received substantial paydays on their second contracts.
With the Chiefs track record of developing defense backs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them stick with what they have on the roster with the ambiguity surrounding the position.
The cornerbacks will have a chance to separate themselves in the Chiefs final preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
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