The Kansas City Chiefs have significantly overhauled their secondary this offseason, following a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs. Key moves included:
- Trent McDuffie – Traded in a blockbuster deal.
- Jaylen Watson – Allowed to depart in free agency.
With these departures, veteran CB Kristian Fulton may now face the axe as the team heads into training camp, according to Bleacher Report analyst Moe Moton.
Kristian Fulton’s 2025 Season and Contract Status
- Fulton appeared in 8 regular-season games with 2 starts, making 16 tackles.
- He defended 6 passes, showing flashes of playmaking ability.
- His first year under a two-year contract was plagued by injuries, raising questions about his ability to secure a starting role in 2026.
Moton notes that Fulton will have to compete for a starting spot opposite rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane, while also battling 2025 third-rounder Nohl Williams. If Fulton loses this competition, he could be cut before his age-28 season.
New Talent: Mansoor Delane
- The Chiefs drafted Delane 7th overall from LSU in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- Analysts consider him one of the top prospects at cornerback and a high-ceiling player expected to start immediately.
- NFL.com analyst Tom Blair described Delane as having “head-of-the-class talent,” a premium roster spot, and stability under the Chiefs’ coaching staff (Andy Reid and Steve Spagnuolo).
Delane’s presence in the lineup could limit Fulton’s chances to retain a top cornerback spot, particularly given the team’s intent to rebuild the secondary around young, dynamic talent.
Depth Chart and Competition
- Fulton – veteran with injury concerns; fighting for roster spot.
- Nohl Williams – 2025 third-rounder; competing for backup or rotational duties.
- Mansoor Delane – rookie first-round pick; projected starter opposite boundary CB.
The Chiefs appear committed to injecting youth and stability into their secondary, which means that Fulton’s veteran experience may not outweigh his recent injury history and limited playing time.
Implications for 2026
- Fulton’s future is uncertain – he must prove his health and effectiveness in training camp.
- Delane could immediately impact – potentially replacing former starters and becoming a cornerstone of the secondary.
- Chiefs’ defensive rebuild – the CB room is transitioning from experienced veterans to a mix of young players with high upside, complementing the return of Patrick Mahomes at QB.
In short, Kristian Fulton faces an uphill battle to secure his roster spot, with Mansoor Delane poised to be a key piece for the Chiefs’ secondary in 2026. Fulton’s past injuries and limited 2025 contributions increase the likelihood that the team may part ways with him before the season begins.
