The success certainly came with Mathieu, a one-time Super Bowl champion who played for the Chiefs from 2019-2021, and Reid, who helped the Chiefs win two Lombardi Trophies from 2022-2024. With Bryan Cook, also a two-time Super Bowl champion, leaving through free agency, it’s now up to Gilman to carry the leadership torch safely.
Gilman, a 2020 sixth-round pick who has carved out a role as a starter in the NFL, may not often be mentioned in the same breath as a player like Mathieu, a three-time All-Pro who was on the 2010 All-Decade Team, but the Chiefs – owners of three straight top-10 defenses – identified a similar talent.
To his credit, Gilman is coming off his most impressive season as a professional. Despite being traded in the offseason from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Baltimore Ravens, he posted a career-high 90 tackles, with nine passes defensed, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and his first defensive touchdown. He can roam the outfield and set others up for success, both before a game and during action.
The Chiefs will demand he prove Veach right, especially as they rebuild at cornerback following the departures of Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams.
Kansas City could also use a better pass rush and more talent at wide receiver and offensive line.
Those holes and the addition of Gilman won’t stop them from looking at safety at the right position in next week’s draft, but his presence certainly provides some comfort.