Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo
Getty
Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo is reuniting with a familiar face on his staff.
The Kansas City Chiefs are always on the hunt for a bargain deal.
One of the reasons they have been so successful over the past decade has been their ability to buy low on players who end up making big impacts. On the flip side, Kansas City also does a good job of selling high on players to restock their roster, like it did when by trading cornerback Trent McDuffie earlier this offseason.
The Chiefs have been particularly savvy at acquiring and developing quality defensive backs, which was part of the reason they were comfortable parting ways with McDuffie. They now need to find a way to replace him. The staff at Bleacher Report believes part of that solution could come in the form of another trade.
Kansas City Chiefs Urged to Trade for Chicago Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson
Bears Biggest 2025 Training Camp Battles
GettyChicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson.
Bleacher Report recently proposed one trade idea for each NFL team. They landed on Stevenson for the Chiefs, who has had his ups and downs throughout his three-year career.
“This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs lost two of their primary starting cornerbacks from the previous year. They traded All-Pro Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and allowed Jaylen Watson to walk; he also signed with the Rams. Because of those key departures, the Chiefs’ cornerback room needs help. Kansas City may be able to land Tyrique Stevenson in a deal with the Chicago Bears. Stevenson is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
So, the Bears could consider trading the talented cover man if they don’t plan to sign him to an extension before he hits free agency in 2027. After allowing nine touchdowns in his rookie campaign, Stevenson made strides in some areas of coverage, giving up five scores and a passer rating below 88 over the last two terms. However, Stevenson is still susceptible to big plays. In 2025, he allowed a staggering 15.3 yards per catch. While the Chiefs should be alarmed by that number, respected defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could help the young 25-year-old cornerback iron out the wrinkles in his game.”
Stevenson struggled during the 2025 season, and eventually lost his starting job. He finished the year strong, however, playing much better in a rotational role. Stevenson has recorded 213 total tackles, seven interceptions, 38 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, and one touchdown in 45 games played.
Chiefs Will Be Leaning on DC Steve Spagnuolo More Than Ever in 2026
Steve Spagnuolo Kansas City Chiefs
GettyKansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Stevenson has flashed plenty of potential, and is still very young. A change of scenery and a coach like Spagnuolo could unlock his full potential. Spagnuolo, along with defensive backs coach Dave Merritt, have exceled at getting the most out of their defensive backs.
Following the departures of McDuffie, Watson, and safety Bryan Cook, the Chiefs will be leaning on them develop the next crop. Despite those significant departures, the cupboard isn’t bare. Cornerback Nohl Williams flashed several times as a rookie in 2025, as did veteran Kristian Fulton toward the end of the season.
Kansas City signed free agent Kader Kohou, who has been one of the better nickel cornerbacks in the NFL since entering the league in 2022. Also now in the mix is safety Alohi Gilman, who should fill the void left behind by Cook. However the Chiefs end up rounding out their secondary, Spagnuolo will once again play a big role in its success.