As the Kansas City Chiefs aim to rebound from missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, the team has been focused on a critical offseason—one that addresses their most pressing roster needs. With an offense anchored by superstar Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ success in the future will hinge on bolstering their defense, particularly in the secondary. The latest move to make waves in Kansas City comes with the addition of safety Alohi Gilman, who signed a three-year deal this offseason, fueling hope for another Super Bowl appearance.
A Defensive Priority
General Manager Brett Veach has made it clear that rebuilding the defense is one of the team’s top priorities, and adding Gilman fits that vision perfectly. Veach believes that Gilman can fill the role of a cerebral leader in the secondary—a position previously occupied by defensive standouts like Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid. “Over the years, having a Tyrann Mathieu and then having a Justin Reid—just having a cerebral player there that sees the field, can be a leader back there, get everyone lined up—is important,” Veach said. “I think (Gilman) fits that mold.”
This comparison to Mathieu and Reid carries significant weight. Mathieu was instrumental in the Chiefs’ 2019 Super Bowl victory, providing not only playmaking ability but also the leadership and communication needed to anchor the defense. Reid continued that tradition in subsequent seasons, playing a critical role in multiple playoff runs. The Chiefs’ defense has long relied on having strong, communicative figures in the backfield, and Gilman will be expected to replicate those traits.
A Timely Arrival for Gilman
Gilman joins the Chiefs at a time of transition in the defensive secondary. With Bryan Cook departing in free agency and changes expected in the cornerback group, the Chiefs are counting on Gilman to stabilize the safety position. Kansas City has consistently fielded top-10 defenses in recent seasons, but maintaining that high standard will require new players to step up and assume leadership responsibilities quickly.
While Gilman may not yet have the same accolades as Mathieu, his recent performance has demonstrated that he is ready for a larger role. Last season, Gilman posted a career-high 90 tackles, along with nine passes defended, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, and his first career defensive touchdown. Even after a midseason move from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Baltimore Ravens, Gilman remained productive and showcased his ability to contribute in various ways on the field.
Gilman’s Strengths: Leadership and Communication
What sets Gilman apart is his ability to read offenses, make quick adjustments, and communicate effectively with his teammates before and during plays. These qualities are exactly what the Chiefs are looking for as they aim to solidify their defense around a steady safety presence. With his leadership, Gilman has the potential to become a central figure in the secondary, helping to keep the defense organized and disciplined.
That ability to communicate and take control of the defensive backfield aligns with the kind of identity the Chiefs have built in their championship years. Kansas City’s success has been built not only on its high-powered offense but also on a defense that stays disciplined, organized, and capable of making key stops at critical moments. If Gilman can step into that leadership role, it could go a long way toward making the Chiefs’ defense a strength once again.
Filling the Gaps: Other Needs and Draft Plans
While the addition of Gilman is a positive step, there are still gaps on the roster that need to be addressed. The Chiefs remain in need of reinforcements along the defensive line, depth at wide receiver, and potential upgrades to the offensive line. The upcoming draft will likely play a crucial role in filling these needs, but by securing Gilman, the Chiefs have gained stability at a critical position, reducing the urgency to overhaul the secondary entirely.
This move also allows the Chiefs to keep their defensive unit intact, rather than making drastic changes to a unit that has already proven capable of playing at a high level. Gilman’s addition should provide continuity in the secondary, allowing the team to focus on improving other areas while maintaining a solid backbone on defense.
The Pressure on Gilman to Perform
For Mahomes and the offense, the formula remains largely unchanged: when the defense is disciplined and organized, the Chiefs become a much more difficult team to beat. The franchise’s recent success has been built on that balance, combining explosive scoring with a defense that can keep opponents in check. The pressure now falls on Gilman to deliver on the expectations placed on him.
If he can provide the leadership, consistency, and playmaking ability that Veach envisions, the Chiefs’ defense could once again become a key strength—and serve as the foundation for another Super Bowl run. With Gilman’s potential impact and the Chiefs’ continued focus on building a well-rounded team, the hope is that this offseason move will play a crucial role in the team’s championship aspirations.
As the Chiefs gear up for the 2026 season, all eyes will be on how Gilman settles into his new role and whether the defense can regain its place as a dominant force in the league. If everything falls into place, Kansas City could very well find itself back in Super Bowl contention with a balanced roster that builds on both offense and defense.
