Chiefs Aim to Keep Cornerback Jaylen Watson with New Contract

Watson, a free agent, is considered one of the top cornerbacks set to hit the market next week.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to make a strong push to re-sign cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is set to become a free agent next week. Watson, who has emerged as a key part of the Chiefs' secondary, is considered one of the top cornerbacks available in free agency and could command a deal worth around $18 million per year. The Chiefs have a need at the position after trading away starting cornerback Trent McDuffie, and keeping Watson would help maintain continuity in their defensive backfield.

Why it matters

Retaining Watson would be a significant move for the Chiefs, as they have struggled to keep defensive backs they've drafted in the past. Keeping Watson would help solidify their secondary and continue the progress he's made under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and secondary coach Dave Merritt.

The details

Watson, who turns 28 in September, is coming off the best season of his career in 2025, recording a single-season high 64 tackles. He also showed his versatility, posting two sacks and three quarterback hurries while missing only four tackles. The Chiefs value Watson's physical style of play, which fits well with Spagnuolo's aggressive defensive scheme.

  • Watson tweeted a cryptic message less than 24 hours before the Chiefs traded away starting cornerback Trent McDuffie.
  • On Thursday, March 7, 2026, Watson tweeted another cryptic message, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
  • Free agency is set to begin on Monday, March 11, 2026 at 11 a.m.

The players

Jaylen Watson

A 27-year-old cornerback who is set to become a free agent after a breakout 2025 season with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Trent McDuffie

The Chiefs' other starting cornerback, who was traded away less than 24 hours before Watson's first cryptic tweet.

Steve Spagnuolo

The Chiefs' defensive coordinator, who values physical cornerbacks that fit his aggressive defensive scheme.

Dave Merritt

The Chiefs' secondary coach, who has helped develop Watson into a well-rounded cornerback.

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What they’re saying

“Now, you've got to decide what you want to do with Jaylen Watson, who's also a free agent at cornerback and a guy that is extremely highly thought of, and a guy that has come along with secondary coach Dave Merritt.”

— Mike Garafolo, Insider (Good Morning Football)

What’s next

The Chiefs will need to decide in the coming days whether to re-sign Jaylen Watson before he hits the free agent market on March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

Keeping Jaylen Watson would be a significant move for the Chiefs, as they have struggled to retain defensive backs they've drafted in the past. Retaining Watson would help solidify their secondary and continue the progress he's made under the team's coaching staff.