Chiefs Make First Major Move Toward Replacing Decimated Secondary
After losing three starting defensive backs in a matter of days, the Kansas City Chiefs have made their first significant splash in the secondary market by signing safety Alohi Gilman from the Baltimore Ravens on a three-year deal worth $24.75 million. The move represents a critical first step in what’s shaping up to be one of the most aggressive roster overhauls in recent franchise history.
A Secondary in Shambles
The Chiefs’ defensive backfield took a beating during the opening days of free agency. Cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson—the team’s two starting corners from the 2025 season—both departed, with McDuffie being traded to the Los Angeles Rams and Watson signing a three-year, $51 million deal with the same team. Safety Bryan Cook, a critical piece in the secondary, also left for the Cincinnati Bengals on a three-year, $40.25 million contract. The losses left Kansas City’s secondary in dire need of reinforcement heading into the 2026 season.
Gilman Brings Familiarity and Pedigree
Gilman’s arrival provides stability in the secondary and reunites him with linebacker Drue Tranquill, his former teammate from Notre Dame and the San Diego Chargers. The safety will join Tranquill in what’s being billed as a new-look Steve Spagnuolo defense, giving the defensive coordinator some continuity as he rebuilds the unit. For a team that struggled mightily on defense last season, adding a proven veteran like Gilman sends a message that the front office is serious about turning things around.
Part of a Larger Overhaul
The Gilman signing is just one piece of a broader Chiefs offseason strategy. General Manager Brett Veach has been active in reshaping the roster, bringing in defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga from the New England Patriots and cornerback Kader Kohou to help shore up the secondary and defensive line. Meanwhile, the team has also invested heavily in the offensive side, signing running back Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $45 million deal—the first running back off the board in free agency—and securing the return of tight end Travis Kelce on a one-year, $12 million deal.
With Patrick Mahomes recovering from an ACL injury and returning to the field early in the 2026 season, the Chiefs are essentially hitting the reset button. The secondary rebuild with Gilman as the cornerstone is a clear indication that Kansas City intends to compete immediately, even as they navigate the uncertainty of Mahomes’ recovery timeline and prepare for what could be his final season with the franchise.
Looking Ahead
While losing three starting defensive backs in one offseason is painful, the Chiefs are demonstrating urgency in the replacement market. Gilman’s arrival, paired with the team’s other defensive acquisitions, suggests that Spagnuolo and the coaching staff have a clear vision for how they want this defense to function moving forward. For Chiefs fans hoping for a quick return to championship contention, the aggressive moves in free agency offer reason for cautious optimism.