Kansas City Chiefs' latest reported free agent interest confirms suspicions about their 2025 plans for an All-Pro defender
The Kansas City Chiefs were interested in one of the top NFL free agents before an AFC rival took him off the market this past week. Before signing with the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs were interested in CB Jaire Alexander, who the Green Bay Packers recently released. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported some details about Alexander landing in Baltimore […]
The Kansas City Chiefs were interested in one of the top NFL free agents before an AFC rival took him off the market this past week. Before signing with the Baltimore Ravens, the Chiefs were interested in CB Jaire Alexander, who the Green Bay Packers recently released.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported some details about Alexander landing in Baltimore on Saturday, June 21. While Fowler did not mention the Chiefs by name, you can see the team nickname on the lower third graphic above the ticker tape, "Agree to 1-yr deal with Ravens despite Chiefs also showing interest."
"Let's go to Baltimore," Fowler began on ESPN's SportsCenter. "Jaire Alexander, big signing midweek. Here's how it all went down. Eric DeCosta, the GM of the Ravens, was in on this back in March, even flirting with a trade possibility. So, when he became available, they made a quick call. Jaire agreed to visit the team, but didn't make any sort of commitment until he was on site, and he just had great chemistry with everybody. They were heavily recruiting him. The Falcons, he was considering, the Miami Dolphins, he was also considering, but Baltimore had the clear edge throughout that process there."
Alexander wanted to reunite with a former college teammate in Lamar Jackson; that much was made clear. He gave the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins consideration over the Chiefs, and that's his loss. The desire to add Alexander isn't necessarily an indictment on the cornerback group in Kansas City, which is much deeper than in past seasons. However, it further reiterates what the coaching staff has hinted about their plans for Trent McDuffie in 2025.
The Chiefs want to use Trent McDuffie in the slot more often in 2025
While the language from Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo and DB coach Dave Merritt has been far from definitive, it's becoming increasingly clear that the team would like to get Trent McDuffie playing inside in their nickel sub-package with greater frequency during the 2025 NFL season. McDuffie is still viewed as the team's No. 1 outside cornerback, but should they be more comfortable with other players at the position, it'd allow McDuffie to play inside more often in 2025.
In 2024, McDuffie played over 953 snaps out wide, while playing just 152 snaps in the slot, according to Pro Football Focus. The year prior, a season during which McDuffie earned First-Team All-Pro honors, he played 368 snaps at wide corner with over 600 snaps in the slot. He's proven that he can play some of his best football from the slot, especially when disguising and timing his pass-rush as an extra blitzer.
Alexander has played most of his career as an outside cornerback, which tells me the Chiefs want to solidify that group as much as they can in 2025. Players like Kristian Fulton, Nazeeh Johnson, Nohl Williams, and Joshua Williams will continue to compete for a role opposite Jaylen Watson and McDuffie. Still, none of those players have jumped out to claim that starting job through mandatory minicamp practices. The team could continue to look for an established veteran to pair with Watson and McDuffie, should one become available leading up to and during training camp (Jalen Ramsey???). They could also just let the battles play out at training camp and have the cards fall where they may.
Kansas City Chiefs Release Full 2025 Training Camp Schedule: Important dates, times, autograph signings, and tickets
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially announced their 2025 training camp schedule.
