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The Kansas City Chiefs want to win another Super Bowl in 2025, but they’ll need to make some changes to do so. While the Chiefs went 15-2 and earned homefield advantage on the way to another appearance in the big game, they also discovered some deficiencies along the way.
That included the Chiefs’ cornerback group, who ran into a big problem when Jaylen Watson fractured his ankle. The player who stepped up in his absence couldn’t hold onto the job until Watson recovered and may now be facing the consequences as organized team activities (OTAs) conclude.
Nazeeh Johnson Could Be on the Way Out of Kansas City After OTAs
Nazeeh Johnson was thrust into a starting role after Watson’s injury, but he couldn’t take advantage of his first opportunity as a starter. He made 56 total tackles with three for loss as well as a sack last season; however, his performance in pass coverage was dreadful with three pass breakups and no interceptions.
The low number of impact plays wasn’t because teams weren’t throwing at Johnson either.
His 51 targets were the third most on the team, and he was a big play waiting to happen, allowing 497 yards and a pair of touchdowns with a 52.8 Pro Football Focus grade in coverage. Johnson also got benched during a Black Friday victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, and it didn’t seem like he would be back until he reworked his contract last April.
Johnson is back with the Chiefs this offseason, but there’s no guarantee that he’ll make the final 53-man roster. Kansas City upgraded its cornerback room by signing Kristian Fulton in free agency and added to the room with third-round pick Nohl Williams.
With Watson recovered and Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt declaring Trent McDuffie as their No. 1 CB, it feels like Johnson’s options are wearing thin to remain on the roster.
While the above may not mean that Johnson will be released by the time training camp begins, he should count his blessings if he still has a job when the 2025 season begins.
