The 53-man rosters have been finalized for all 32 NFL teams after cuts. Every general manager or equivalent individual is trying to make some kind of final moves to improve their roster and practice squads.
The Kansas City Chiefs have one of the most dynamic and disciplined defenses in the league under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, but there are some depth concerns in Kansas City that can still be improved upon. The Chiefs’ defense in 2024 was a major reason why they made it to a third straight Super Bowl appearance. However, their performance against the Philadelphia Eagles raised some concerns and eyebrows regarding what is needed for the 2025 season to once again hold that Lombardi Trophy.
A major concern for the Chiefs is the depth at safety. Which is why the Kansas City Chiefs will sign safety Marcus Williams.
*THIS IS A PREDICTION, NOT A REPORT*
Kansas City Chiefs to Sign Marcus Williams
The Kansas City Chiefs currently only have three healthy safeties on their depth chart moving into week one. Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, and Jaden Hicks are set to form the safety room for the season. Deon Bush is starting the season on the IR with an Achilles tendon tear.
Jaden Hicks is the highest-rated safety by Pro Football Focus with a 72.2 grade; however, that was based on limited snaps and would place him as the 36th-best safety. Bryan Cook finished 2024 with a 63.7 grade and ranked 84th. While Chamarri Conner finished at 68.2 and 62nd overall.
All three are 25 years old or younger. Meaning there is hope for growth in this unit. A veteran piece would be ideal to help elevate the group and provide depth. Kansas City will certainly want to shore up its safety position before facing a pass-friendly offense. They have strong corners, but they will need consistent help.
Marcus Williams is the Fourth Highest Graded Safety Since 2017
2024 was not the year Marcus Williams was hoping for. He finished the season with just a 42.9 grade by Pro Football Focus. It showed that his coverage grade seriously dropped from his norm. Since Marcus Williams entered the league in 2017, he has been the fourth-highest graded safety in the NFL. With the 2024 season finishing much worse than his norm.
In 2023, Williams finished with a 76.4 overall grade; in 2021, he had a grade of 76.4, and in 2020, a grade of 78.6. At only 28 years old, Williams may be capable of a rebound season, as he is still in his physical prime. With over 108 games played and several seasons with one of the most competitive teams in Baltimore, he understands the pressure of winning big games and could be an asset that is cheaper than expected, with a low risk that the Chiefs like to take advantage of.
News of a return for Williams has been quiet as of now, but as the top safety option alongside Justin Simmons and week one approaching, noise is expected to begin. If assumed to be a veteran minimum contract, the Chiefs would be foolish not to consider the idea of a resurgence by Williams or, at least, a veteran depth piece to help their younger safety options.
The Chiefs have thrived on proven veterans in down years to have success in Kansas City, and this could be one of those success stories that Kansas City is so accustomed to. That is why the Kansas City Chiefs will sign safety Marcus Williams.
