Steven Nelson Visits KC Chiefs – Possible CB Reunion on Deck?

As the final stretch of the regular season approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs are looking to refine their roster and rotations ahead of the postseason. After signing left tackle DJ Humphries last month, general manager Brett Veach is exploring the cornerback market in December.

According to a Saturday evening report by Ian Rapoport of NFL NetworkKansas City checks in with an old friend. Rapoport notes that veteran cornerback Steven Nelson is expected to visit the two Super Bowl champions on Monday. Josh Arnold, Nelson’s agent, has confirmed the upcoming visit, which will take place following the Chiefs’ Sunday Night Football home game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Nelson, who turns 32 in January, is a nine-year veteran who announced his retirement from the NFL back in June. Nelson characterized the offseason decision as something that would allow him to “take a step back” and spend more time with family, opting against signing him despite several teams showing interest in him. With this in mind, he shared with Aaron Wilson from KPRC 2 that he would stay in shape and leave the door open for a return when “the time is right.”

Entering the league as a third-round pick in 2015, Nelson spent his first four seasons – the entire length of his rookie contract – with the Chiefs. He then spent two years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a one-year cameo with the Philadelphia Eagles and two seasons with the Houston Texans. He played quite well with Houston, recording 115 tackles, 19 passes broken up and five interceptions in 2022 and 2023 combined.

Last season in particular, Nelson achieved a breakthrough in his age group as a 30-year-old. He appeared in all 17 regular season games and set a career high with four interceptions. The former Oregon State star played over 1,000 snaps for DeMeco Ryans and Co. The advanced coverage stats also reflect his play, as he posted a smooth 73.3 passer rating when targeted in coverage. Accordingly Next Generation StatisticsNelson’s 57.8 passer rating, included in press coverage, ranked 13th out of 72 corners with 50 or more reps in that area.

Familiarity with the press as well as Nelson’s ability to play on the perimeter would be a good fit for the current Chiefs. Although he left Kansas City in the same offseason that Steve Spagnuolo was hired as defensive coordinator, a potential move wouldn’t be too daunting given his style of play if hired. Considering the inconsistent play of Nazeeh Johnson and Joshua Williams, it makes sense that the AFC’s top team is leaving no stone unturned.

Spagnuolo recently addressed Johnson’s poor play and recent bench appearances, which were due to the quality of his players but perhaps also a lack of confidence shown at times.

“Probably a little bit of both,” Spagnuolo said. “I spoke to him. I told him: ‘I’m going to take this step now’ and that we still need him. He was still going for the package or the downs, I think we needed him to go. “Nobody gives up in there. I visited Nazeeh again today (and) told him to prepare like every other week, right? when guys are going to get We’re going to put the best 11 guys out there, and if that means someone’s not out there, then it’s – for whatever reason – the feeling is that the staff is going to make us better Actually everyone Position.

Could the top 11 finally include Nelson? If he has something left in the tank, it’s hard to rule out that he’ll be of use in the next month or more.

Read more: Chiefs place WR Mecole Hardman on IR, creating buzz about roster moves ahead of game against Chargers