The Kansas City Chiefs put a big emphasis on revamping their defense in 2026.
They didn’t have much choice after the unit lost several key players during free agency. More than half of the defense’s starting 11 spots could feature new faces from last season.
Signing CB Kader Kohou Named Kansas City Chiefs’ Best 2026 Offseason Move
GettyChiefs CB Kader Kohou
ESPN NFL analyst Bill Barnwell recently named each AFC team’s best move of the 2026 offseason. He chose the signing of Kohou for the Chiefs, citing that they got a high quality player on a bargain deal.
“The Chiefs have drafted and developed plenty of cornerbacks under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, but they’ve also been willing to take their chances on young CBs who aren’t at their peak value in the hopes of building them up. The most famous example of this is Bashaud Breeland, who played a significant role on the 2019 Chiefs (as they won their first Super Bowl in a half-century) while making $2 million. Kohou’s career hasn’t gone as expected in just about every way. An undrafted free agent, Kohou made the Dolphins’ roster in 2022 and excelled as a rookie, posting an 83.2 passer rating in coverage.”
Barnwell went on to point out that Kohou’s career hasn’t been without struggle, but he has proven he can persevere. That is a good sign as Kohou looks to bounce back from tearing his ACL during last year’s training camp.
“He looked like a building block in the making, but Kohou struggled badly in 2023 under Vic Fangio and lost his every-down role. Kohou appeared to be back on track by the end of 2024, but he sustained a torn ACL in training camp and sat out all of the 2025 season. At his best, Kohou offered the ability to play inside and outside with above-average coverage skills. Tackling was a concern, which could cause Kohou problems in Kansas City, but the Chiefs are desperate for cornerbacks after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson this offseason. Kohou is the right sort of risk.”
Kader Kohou, Jadon Canady Likely to Compete for Chiefs’ Nickelback Duties
GettyChiefs CB Jadon Canady
Kohou has played his best at the nickel position, but can play outside as well if needed. In 47 career games he has recorded 180 total tackles, 28 passes defended, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles. Since his torn ACL occurred so early in 2025, he projects to be recovered and ready to go for the Chiefs by training camp.
Chamarri Conner has been Kansas City’s primary nickelback over the past couple of years, but it seems he primarily focus on safety with Kohou and Canady now on the roster. As a veteran, Kohou could have the inside track on the nickel role, but Canady will certainly be in the mix. A fourth-round pick, Canady was one of the best nickelbacks in this year’s draft class.
Like Conner, Canady is a safety/nickel hybrid. He is as experienced as a rookie can be. In 49 career games he has played 999 snaps and recorded 154 total tackles, 23 passes defensed, four interceptions, and one forced fumble. In 2025 Canady allowed a low 41.8 passer rating against opposing quarterbacks. He also allowed just 17 receptions on 289 coverage snaps.
Chiefs’ Low-Key FA Acquisition Surprisingly Named Best Offseason Move