Chiefs have three major options to replace cornerback Phillip Gaines
Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines won't suit up for the Chiefs again in 2015.
He tore his ACL on Monday night, which means the defense will need to replace his production at slot cornerback -- and fast.
They'll have plenty of free-agent options to choose from. But here are three on-team candidates who could slide right in to Gaines' vacated spot:
1. Marcus Peters: The first-round rookie might not have slot experience. He's also been thriving on the outside spot. But now that suspended starter Sean Smith is back, it could ease a transition for the speedy Washington product.
2. Ron Parker: The Chiefs brought back Parker just for dilemmas like this. He can play both safety and cornerback; with the increased reps heading to Eric Berry, Parker might be needed at cornerback more.
3. Steven Nelson: He's the other rookie cornerback on the roster, but he shouldn't be a forgotten man. Nelson showcased the speed and quick-turn ability needed for slot work during his career at Oregon State.
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL predictions: An early look at division winners
-
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
2024 NFL playoff bracket: Schedule, picture, Super Bowl result
Super Bowl locations, dates for 2025, 2026, 2027
-
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Chicago's odds shorten after drafting Caleb Williams
2024 NFL Draft grades: Analyzing all 32 teams' classes; Who gets top marks?
2023 Top 10 NFL quarterbacks: Ranking the best QBs after Patrick Mahomes
-
2025 NFL mock draft: Who are next year's top prospects
2024 NFL free agency tracker: Signings, updates, best players available
2024 NFL predictions: An early look at division winners
-
2024 NFL Power Rankings: A post-draft look at where every team stands
2024 NFL playoff bracket: Schedule, picture, Super Bowl result
Super Bowl locations, dates for 2025, 2026, 2027
-
2025 Super Bowl LIX odds: Chicago's odds shorten after drafting Caleb Williams
2024 NFL Draft grades: Analyzing all 32 teams' classes; Who gets top marks?
2023 Top 10 NFL quarterbacks: Ranking the best QBs after Patrick Mahomes