Traditionally, general manager Brett Veach has refused to pay top-flight defensemen to keep them in Kansas City, instead selecting their replacements a year or two before they leave. That’s how McDuffie arrived as a first-round pick in 2022, slotting in as a versatile nickelback whose role eventually expanded to the edge when Sneed left for Tennessee.
This time, however, Veach didn’t have the runway to draft and develop in preparation for departures, making their need for a corner that much more obvious. When Veach’s draft went from the 9th overall pick to the 6th, most knew Delanes’ name would be written on the map.
Delane has a chance to make good on his desire. Defensive tackle Chris Jones is approaching his age-32 season and is the biggest cap hit on the Chiefs’ roster ($44.85 million), with two years remaining on his contract at a similar pace. It’s likely that such a significant portion of their stake won’t be dedicated to an individual defenseman when Delane is due for an extension, and if he lives up to expectations for the No. 1 overall pick.
It is far from the need to address those financial issues. Delane must first prove that he is worth considering. But it’s clear his goals are as lofty as the standard in Kansas City.