Veteran CB Steven Nelson Comes Out of Retirement to Bolster Chiefs’ Secondary
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Chiefs are making moves to address their injury-riddled secondary, and they’re doing it in a big way. Veteran cornerback Steven Nelson, a familiar face for Chiefs fans, is coming out of retirement to join the team’s practice squad. Yes, you read that right—Nelson is back where it all began, and the timing couldn’t be more critical for Kansas City.
Let’s set the stage here. The Chiefs’ secondary has been hit hard by injuries this season, leaving the team scrambling for answers. Starting cornerback Jaylen Watson went down midseason with a broken ankle, a devastating blow for the defense. His replacement, Nazeeh Johnson, struggled to hold the fort and was eventually benched in favor of Joshua Williams. But the bad luck didn’t stop there—Williams left Sunday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers with a shoulder injury. Talk about a rough stretch.
Enter Steven Nelson, a 31-year-old veteran who knows a thing or two about playing in Kansas City. Nelson was originally drafted by the Chiefs in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft out of Oregon State. Over his first four seasons in the league, he started 38 games for Kansas City, proving himself as a reliable presence in the secondary. After his stint with the Chiefs, Nelson went on to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Houston Texans, racking up 115 career starts and 13 interceptions along the way.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid had nothing but praise for Nelson when asked about the signing. “He was a good player when he was here,” Reid said on Monday. “He came out of Oregon State with the ability to return and play corner, and then he developed into a starting corner in the league. He had a nice career for the last [nine] years. It was the ability to add a little depth to that spot.”
Why This Move Matters
So, why is this such a big deal? For starters, the Chiefs are in the thick of the playoff race, and their defense has been a key factor in their success this season. But with injuries piling up, the secondary has become a glaring weakness. Adding a seasoned veteran like Nelson could provide some much-needed stability and leadership to a group that’s been through the wringer.
Let’s not forget that Nelson is no stranger to high-pressure situations. He’s played in big games before, and his experience could be invaluable as the Chiefs gear up for what they hope will be another deep playoff run. While it remains to be seen how quickly Nelson can get up to speed after coming out of retirement, his familiarity with the organization and its culture should help smooth the transition.
A Look Back at Nelson’s Career
For those who might need a refresher, here’s a quick rundown of Steven Nelson’s NFL journey:
- Drafted by the Chiefs: Selected in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
- Four Seasons in Kansas City: Started 38 games and established himself as a dependable cornerback.
- Stints with Other Teams: Played two seasons with the Steelers, one with the Eagles, and two with the Texans.
- Career Stats: 115 career starts and 13 interceptions.
It’s clear that Nelson has had a solid career, and his decision to come out of retirement speaks volumes about his desire to compete and contribute. For the Chiefs, it’s a low-risk, high-reward move that could pay dividends down the stretch.
What’s Next for the Chiefs?
As the Chiefs prepare for the final stretch of the regular season, all eyes will be on how the defense holds up. The offense, led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, has shown it can deliver in crunch time, but the defense will need to step up if Kansas City wants to make another Super Bowl run. Adding Nelson to the mix is a step in the right direction, but the team will need contributions from everyone to overcome their recent setbacks.
For now, Chiefs fans can take solace in the fact that help is on the way. Steven Nelson is back, and he’s ready to make an impact. Whether he can recapture the form that made him a standout during his first stint in Kansas City remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Chiefs aren’t going down without a fight.
Originally Written by: Adam Teicher
