When a team has multiple superstars that have big-time contracts like the Chiefs do, they need young guys who are still on their rookie deals to step up.

Kansas City made the tough decision to let veteran safety Justin Reid walk during free agency, as he signed with the New Orleans Saints this past spring. However, the Chiefs felt comfortable doing so because of his replacement, who flashed as a rookie last season.

S Jaden Hicks will be the Chiefs’ breakout player in 2025

The Chiefs selected Hicks in the fourth round (133rd overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie he played just over 30% of the defensive snaps last season, recording a team-high three interceptions, five passes defensed, and 29 total tackles.

Hicks played multiple roles for the Kansas City defense in 2024, including two-high and single-high coverage looks, as well as big nickel and dime packages. In 312 snaps played, he allowed just 2.6 average yards of separation in coverage situations, and gave up only 2.3 yards after the catch per reception.

Jaden Hicks played just 31% of defensive snaps in 2024 but led all #Chiefs safeties with a 92.3 PFF tackling grade & ALL KC defenders in INTs with 3!

Ready for him to LOCK DOWN opponents in 2025? pic.twitter.com/Gq6fSgqj1c

— All Chief'd Up! (@AllChiefdUp) July 1, 2025

Hicks will now step into the starting safety role vacated by Reid, who mentored Hicks last year.

“Obviously I’m kind of playing the role that he was playing this year,” Hicks stated about Reid during OTAs. “He really did a great job taking me under his wing. Being savvy, knowing how to disguise his defense a lot, and that’s a big part of our scheme. He did a really good job with that. And, just setting a good example for what I should look up to.”

Hicks has all the tools he needs to succeed, now he has to put it all together. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo will certainly utilize him effectively, and Hicks can lean on veterans such as Bryan Cook, Mike Edwards, and Deon Bush. Hicks’ knack for creating turnovers is something Kansas City’s defense sorely needs. It all starts when the Chiefs take the field for training camp at Missouri Western in four days.