Chiefs’ upcoming 2026 NFL Draft visit could be the perfect solution to a problem the Trent McDuffie trade created for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense
The Kansas City Chiefs have a vacancy at the nickel cornerback spot to address after trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. Could Arizona DB Treydan Stukes be the answer for Steve Spagnuolo and Dave Merritt?
The Kansas City Chiefs are getting a closer look at a 2026 NFL Draft prospect who could solve a problem they created for themselves this offseason.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chiefs have a pre-draft visit scheduled with Arizona defensive back Treydan Stukes. The former Wildcat is a popular name in the top-30 visit cycle. He has visits scheduled with the Eagles, Falcons, Panthers, Cowboys, Cardinals, Titans, Rams, and Seahawks. This visit is likely one related to medicals, as Stukes suffered a torn ACL back in 2024.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, Stukes was a standout during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.33 40-yard dash, jumped a 38-inch vertical, and a 130-inch broad jump. The performance earned him extremely high marks in the A to Z Sports Athletic Composite.
Our comparison tool actually brings up a pair of familiar names for Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo: L’Jarius Sneed and Prince Amukamara.
One downside to Stukes is that he’s one of the older prospects in this draft class. He’ll be 24 during his rookie season.
The Chiefs can solve their nickel cornerback problem with Arizona DB Treydan Stukes
The Chiefs didn’t just lose their No. 1 cornerback when they traded Trent McDuffie to the Rams this offseason. They also lost their best option at the nickel cornerback spot. Chamarri Conner has proven that he isn’t the solution the Chiefs need. While players like Chris Roland-Wallace and Kader Kohou are sure to get opportunities, a long-term solution in the slot is needed.
While some view Stukes strictly as a safety, versatility is a huge part of his game. He played the majority of his final season in Arizona as the team’s nickel cornerback and thrived there. In 2025, Stukes recorded four interceptions on the season with six passes broken up. He surrendered just a 34.4 passer rating in his coverage on 23 receptions allowed for the whole year. In the past, he has played both outside cornerback and safety for the Wildcats.
With Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton slated to start on the outside, securing a player like Stukes could help solidify the secondary. Steve Spagnuolo and Dave Merritt are going to need some fresh blood. The nickel corner spot has grown in importance for the NFL over the years. The last thing the Chiefs can afford is for Chamarri Conner to be the top option there again in 2026.