KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs have successfully reached a two-year, $20 million agreement with Kristian Fulton, who previously played cornerback for the Titans and Chargers. This news was shared by a source familiar with the ongoing negotiations, preferring to remain unnamed due to the lack of an official announcement from the team.
The Chiefs pursued seasoned secondary players in free agency to bolster their defense, especially after cornerback Jaylen Watson sustained an injury last season. Adding Fulton, who is known for his robust and versatile play on the perimeter, is expected to enhance the team’s defensive options and provide more flexibility for Trent McDuffie, an All-Pro known for his exceptional pass coverage skills.
Before being drafted by Tennessee in the second round in 2020, Fulton played a significant role in helping LSU achieve a national championship. During his four-year stint with the Titans, before joining the Chargers last season, Fulton recorded 51 tackles and an interception. That interception play remains etched in the memories of Chiefs fans. As Fulton returned the ball, he collided with Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice, who was also pursuing the play and subsequently required season-ending knee surgery.
The decision to bring Fulton into the fold came just before the new league year’s kickoff, shortly after Kansas City had also made deals for offensive tackle Jaylon Moore on a two-year, $30 million contract, and running back Elijah Mitchell on a one-year, $3.5 million contract, announced Monday.
Following their significant Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia, the Chiefs have been quite active this offseason. Recently, they traded their All-Pro guard Thuney to the Bears, acquiring a future draft pick in return. This trade offered relief to the Chiefs’ salary cap, resources they have since allocated to other key areas.
Utilizing this cap space, Kansas City secured linebacker Nick Bolton for three years on a $45 million contract and re-signed wide receiver Marquise Brown for $11 million, despite him missing much of last season due to a shoulder injury. Additionally, the Chiefs applied the franchise tag to right guard Trey Smith, a move that ensures his contract will be $23.4 million next season.
