​We are 64 days away from the Kansas City Chiefs’ season-opening game against the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football in Week 1. The No. 64 jersey was slated to be worn by former Chiefs offensive tackle Wanya Morris before he was traded to the Atlanta Falcons this summer. As a Super Bowl champion, he’s among this group, but the No. 64 carries a richer history, having first been worn by a league champion: Merz claimed two AFL championships with the franchise, first as a defensive end for the Dallas Texans, then as a right guard on the 1966 Chiefs, who ultimately fell to the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl I.
Looking ahead, it remains to be seen how much the Chiefs’ secondary will miss Los Angeles Rams cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie, who led the team’s cornerbacks in tackles last season with 64 and 63, respectively. Those figures ranked as the fifth and sixth-highest totals on the roster. Watson contributed a physical edge to Kansas City’s defense, excelling in press-man coverage and delivering reliable tackles on runs to the edge. According to Pro Football Focus, Watson missed tackles at a 5.8% rate in 2025. Only linebacker Drue Tranquill (3.7%) and safety Bryan Cook (5.6%) posted lower tackle-miss rates among the unit, highlighting just how critical reliable tackling is for this defense.
This year’s top draft pick carries high expectations, but rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane will have more to prove than simply covering receivers to fill the void left by Watson on the outside. Delane’s development will hinge on his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the position, including consistent tackling and secure run support, which are essential in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme. As the preseason unfolds, evaluating the rest of the Chiefs’ corners will be key to understanding how the unit will function without Watson’s and McDuffie’s contributions from last season.
Beyond the immediate roster moves, the Chiefs will rely on the depth and versatility of their secondary to maintain their competitive edge. The coaching staff will likely place emphasis on player development, tackling technique, and matchups against a demanding schedule, as they prepare for Week 1 and the broader regular season. The success of the defense may hinge on a collective effort from the entire corps—especially as new players acclimate to the system and the demands of high-level NFL play. As the campaign approaches, fans will be watching to see which players emerge as dependable contributors in coverage, run support, and playmaking opportunities, helping to sustain the Chiefs’ reputation as a formidable and dynamic defensive unit.