The most challenging part of joining the Kansas City Chiefs? Impressing head coach Andy Reid. With 26 seasons of experience, Reid has seen it all, making it no small feat to earn a spot on his team. Now that the new league year has begun, the roster moves are becoming official, and one player has already passed Reid’s rigorous evaluation: former Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton.
Chiefs Address a Key Defensive Weakness
Kansas City has long struggled with depth at the cornerback position. While their defense, led by players like Trent McDuffie, has been solid, the team has lacked elite depth in the secondary. To address this issue, the Chiefs have signed Fulton to a two-year, $20 million contract, with $15 million fully guaranteed.
The Connection to Patrick Mahomes and Rashee Rice
Fulton’s path to Kansas City may have started back in Week 4 of last season. During that game, he intercepted a pass from Patrick Mahomes, leading to a chaotic play that resulted in a collision between Mahomes and Rashee Rice. While the play was unfortunate for the Chiefs—especially with Rice suffering a serious knee injury—Reid took notice.
Knowing how rare it is for a defender to intercept Mahomes, Reid likely saw something in Fulton that made him a valuable addition to the team. Now, as the Chiefs gear up for the new season, Fulton will don the red and gold, looking to strengthen the defense.
Rashee Rice’s Lingering Injury Concerns
While the Chiefs celebrate the arrival of Fulton, they are still dealing with the aftermath of that Week 4 play. Rashee Rice suffered significant damage to the lateral collateral ligament in his right knee, requiring surgery. Though the procedure was successful, his recovery has been slow, and he has not shown significant improvement in five months.
There are now reports that Rice is seeking a second medical opinion to determine the cause of his lingering knee problems. Additional surgery has not been ruled out, which could sideline him for even longer. Given Rice’s importance to the Chiefs’ offense, his prolonged absence is a major concern for the team.
Can Fulton Be a Game-Changer for the Chiefs?
With Fulton joining the team, Kansas City hopes to solidify its secondary and build a stronger defensive unit. His ability to make plays, as evidenced by his interception against Mahomes, could prove valuable. Meanwhile, the team is anxiously waiting for updates on Rice, hoping their young receiver can return to full strength.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Kansas City’s new addition and how he integrates into Reid’s system. If Fulton lives up to expectations, he could be a key piece in the Chiefs’ pursuit of another championship.