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Chiefs Aim to Retain Cornerback Jaylen Watson Amid Free Agency
Kansas City must decide future of Watson after trading away Trent McDuffie to the Rams
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The Kansas City Chiefs face a crucial decision regarding cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is set to enter free agency after the team traded away fellow cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Watson has outperformed his seventh-round draft position, starting 29 games over four seasons and winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. The team is hoping to retain Watson, who is expected to draw significant interest on the open market due to his strong play and versatility.
Why it matters
The Chiefs' defense is undergoing a major transformation with the loss of McDuffie, and retaining Watson would help provide stability and continuity in the secondary. Watson has emerged as a key contributor, and his departure would force Kansas City to rebuild a significant portion of its defensive backfield.
The details
Jaylen Watson was originally selected by the Chiefs in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over his four seasons with the team, he has appeared in 53 games, starting 29 of them. Watson has recorded 178 tackles, six passes defended, and two interceptions, while also winning two Super Bowls with the Chiefs. In 2025, he set new career-highs with 64 tackles and two interceptions, while tying his career-best with six passes defended. Watson's 74.1 grade from Pro Football Focus ranked 16th out of 114 cornerbacks.
- Jaylen Watson is set to enter free agency in the 2026 offseason.
The players
Jaylen Watson
A cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs who was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He has emerged as a key contributor in the Chiefs' secondary, starting 29 games over four seasons and winning two Super Bowls with the team.
Trent McDuffie
A former cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams during the 2026 offseason.
What they’re saying
“Now you've got to decide what you want to do with Jaylen Watson. A guy that is extremely highly thought. The Chiefs are going to make a run at Watson, who has really come along to a complete cornerback. He's now shown that he can do a little bit of everything. He's going to make a lot of it, and maybe that's part of it. Maybe the Chiefs are saying we have to clear some space, because this is one of the guys we have to pay.”
— Mike Garafolo, NFL Analyst (NFL Network)
What’s next
The Chiefs will need to decide whether to re-sign Jaylen Watson or let him test the free agent market, where he is expected to draw significant interest from other teams.
The takeaway
Retaining Jaylen Watson will be a top priority for the Chiefs as they look to rebuild their defensive secondary following the trade of Trent McDuffie. Watson has proven himself as a valuable and versatile cornerback, and his departure would leave a significant hole in Kansas City's defense.
