As the Kansas City Chiefs look to turn the page to the 2025 season, there’s one member of the secondary who may or may not have a major role on the team moving forward.
Jaylen Watson was on his way to a solid season in 2024 before suffering a broken tibula and fibula in his sixth game of the year. He rebounded in time to participate in the postseason, but the 11 weeks he missed halted his momentum towards becoming a full-time starter.
Watson may eventually resume the starting role he held early last season in 2025, but the Chiefs signed former Los Angeles Chargers corner Kristian Fulton to a two-year, $20 million contract. That means if Watson isn’t slated for a starting job, he could just as easily become enticing trade bait.
Which teams might be interested in Watson if he becomes available? The list is likely long, as the 26-year-old is only slated to make $3 million in the final year of his rookie contract.
On Friday, Anthony Palacios of Last Word On Sports named the Baltimore Ravens as a potential trade fit for Watson, which would be a risky move for Kansas City, given the two teams’ status as top title contenders in the AFC.
“The Ravens had one of the worst pass secondaries last year,” Palacios wrote.
“Brandon Stephens left for a new opportunity which leaves Marlon Humphrey as the only capable cornerback but as he’s aging, they need a replacement soon. Nate Wiggins is still developing so the team trading for Watson would be a major upgrade for this entire unit.”
In his three years so far, Watson has one interception (a 99-yard return for a touchdown), 18 passes defended, and a 59.7 percent completion percentage allowed in coverage. He was on his way to career-best marks in completion rate and passer rating allowed before the injury.
The fact that Watson bounced back for the playoffs should make it easy for teams to inquire about him. But the Chiefs have to decide if he’s worth more to them as a rotation corner, or an asset that can help them improve another part of the roster.
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