Jaylen Watson might have priced himself out of Kansas City with career year

Jaylen Watson was part of the vital 2022 Chiefs draft class that helped rebuild the defense after the Tyreek Hill trade. Kansas City used seven of its 10 draft selections on the defensive side of the ball that year. Watson was one of five defensive backs selected by the Chiefs in 2022.

Overall, the team took a relatively small bet on Watson as a seventh-round selection. He offered an immediate boost of length on the outside cornerback depth chart and routinely provided solid ball production throughout his college career. Yet, he turned into far more than what Kansas City could have imagined as the 243rd overall selection that year.

Watson falls into the deep category of diamonds in the rough that Kansas City has found at defensive back, especially given its recent history at cornerback. He tallied 24 passes defended, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, and three interceptions across his four years with the Chiefs. Watson finished his four-year tenure with only 60.6 percent of passes completed against him.

Jaylen Watson’s contract year in review

When teams are looking to add a player in free agency, availability and injury history are part of the equation. Watson played the fewest total games (nine) of his NFL career in 2024 due to injury, including the playoffs. He bounced back by starting 15 games in 2025. In turn, Watson may have been one of Kansas City’s more reliable pieces within an otherwise weaker defense this season.

Coverage is the primary responsibility of a cornerback, but for certain teams and defensive schemes, a willingness to tackle on the outside is just as crucial to becoming a starter. Watson has never been shy about providing tackle support. In 2025, he finished with a career-high 64 tackles during his Chiefs tenure.

He also continued his consistency in ball production in 2025. Watson posted another season with six passes defended, along with two interceptions. His two sacks this year could boost his stock on the open market even further. Many defensive backs have been used on blitz calls under Steve Spagnuolo in Kansas City, but Watson, in particular, offers notable versatility as a longer outside cornerback.

Jaylen Watson’s market outlook

You can never have enough cornerbacks in the NFL. At the same time, most teams add at least one or two defensive backs every offseason. Watson could land with an immediate contender if the Chiefs are unable to meet his price range.

The two teams that reached the NFC Championship Game may be in need of cornerback reinforcements, and both have the cap flexibility to accommodate Watson’s likely salary. The Los Angeles Rams have three cornerbacks set to hit free agency: Cobie Durant, Roger McCreary, and Ahkello Witherspoon. The Seattle Seahawks are strong up front on defense, but they could use more reliable depth around star Devon Witherspoon than what Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe currently provide. Both Woolen and Jobe are also due for free agency this offseason.

The Buffalo Bills have a pair of pending free agents in Tre’Davious White and Cam Lewis. Detroit will also see two veteran cornerbacks reach free agency, as Amik Robertson and Avonte Maddox may not be brought back by the Lions. Of course, there are likely many other teams that will explore Watson’s market.

Spotrac anticipates Watson’s market value to fall around $12.5 million per season on his upcoming free-agent deal.

Will Jaylen Watson stay or go?

Like many defensive backs, the Chiefs are unlikely to offer Watson a second contract. He has been a valuable asset to their defense, but with several other roster holes, limited salary cap space, and a history of addressing the cornerback position through smaller moves, it feels safe to say Watson will be paid handsomely elsewhere.

There should be a healthy mix of contenders and rebuilding teams showing interest in Watson. Among the two NFC Championship Game participants, it would not be surprising to see Seattle add to its already dominant defensive unit. Mike Macdonald is a defensive mastermind and may be looking for another dependable presence to pair with Witherspoon. Watson’s combination of length, tackling ability, and ball production could make the Seahawks even stronger.