In a surprising turn of events, the Kansas City Chiefs have made a bold decision regarding veteran cornerback Kristian Fulton, a high-profile free agent signing who has been conspicuously absent from the field since Week 2. As the team prepares for their Week 8 matchup against the Washington Commanders, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s recent comments have sent ripples through the NFL, revealing that Fulton has fallen down the depth chart and is no longer a starter—raising questions about his role and future with the defending champions.
A Shocking Fall for Kristian Fulton
When the Chiefs signed Fulton to a two-year, $20 million contract in the offseason, expectations were high. The former Tennessee Titans cornerback was brought in to bolster Kansas City’s secondary, expected to start on the perimeter opposite Jaylen Watson while allowing star defensive back Trent McDuffie to thrive in his natural slot position. However, after just 17 defensive snaps over the first seven weeks of the 2025 season, Fulton has been relegated to a depth role, overtaken by rookie Nohl Williams.
Spagnuolo addressed Fulton’s situation on October 24, shedding light on the circumstances that have kept the veteran off the field. “That’s a hard thing for Kristian right now,” Spagnuolo admitted. “I think he’s getting there health-wise, but now you’ve lost all the practice time, lost all the reps. Nohl [Williams] has gone in there and done a really nice job. And we’ll see where it goes.” The defensive coordinator’s remarks suggest that Fulton’s absence is not solely injury-related but also a result of being outplayed by a younger, hungrier rookie.
Rookie Nohl Williams Steals the Spotlight
The emergence of Nohl Williams, a late April draft pick, has been a game-changer for the Chiefs’ secondary. Spagnuolo’s comments on October 24 made it clear that Williams has seized the starting role originally intended for Fulton. “We’re going to need them all,” Spagnuolo noted, emphasizing the importance of depth in the NFL. “At some point, we’re going to need [Fulton], and he’s working hard at it.” However, the reality is stark: Williams has solidified his place as the third cornerback behind McDuffie and Watson, leaving Fulton on the sidelines.
Week 7 snap counts from Kansas City’s blowout victory over the Las Vegas Raiders, as reported by KSHB 41’s Nick Jacobs, further illustrate Williams’ rise. While safety/nickelback Chamarri Conner (26 snaps), McDuffie (25 snaps), and Watson (25 snaps) led the secondary, Williams was right behind with 24 snaps. In contrast, Fulton didn’t even dress for the game, with 2022 fourth-rounder Joshua Williams taking the emergency fourth cornerback role with 10 snaps. This development underscores the Chiefs’ confidence in their younger players and raises serious questions about Fulton’s immediate future.
Jaylen Watson’s Injury Scare and Recovery
Adding intrigue to the situation is the recent injury concern surrounding starting cornerback Jaylen Watson, who was listed as limited in practice on Thursday, October 24, due to a back issue. However, reports from The KC Star’s Pete Sweeney and Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick indicate that Watson is on track to play in Week 8 against the Commanders. Sweeney noted that Watson “looked normal during warmups” on Friday, while Derrick confirmed that Watson is expected to practice in some capacity, signaling his likely availability for Monday night’s game.
Watson’s recovery is a significant boost for Kansas City, as it maintains the current pecking order in the secondary. With Watson and McDuffie anchoring the unit and Williams stepping up, the Chiefs appear content with their current rotation, leaving Fulton as a high-priced reserve.
What’s Next for Fulton and the Chiefs?
The Chiefs’ decision to prioritize Williams over Fulton is a stunning development that has sparked debate across the NFL. Fulton, who was expected to be a cornerstone of Kansas City’s defense, now finds himself in a precarious position. Spagnuolo’s comments suggest that Fulton remains in the team’s plans as a depth piece, with the veteran being told to “be ready” for when his number is called. However, the lack of practice reps and game action could make it difficult for Fulton to reclaim a starting role unless injuries or performance issues open the door.
For now, the Chiefs are riding high with their revamped secondary, led by McDuffie, Watson, and the surprising Williams. As they prepare to face the Commanders in Week 8, Kansas City’s defense appears poised to continue its dominant play. Meanwhile, Fulton’s situation serves as a reminder of the NFL’s unforgiving nature—where even big-money signings can find themselves on the outside looking in.
The NFL world will be watching closely to see if Fulton can bounce back or if the Chiefs’ faith in their young talent will continue to reshape their defensive identity. For now, this stunning decision has sent shockwaves through the league, proving once again that no roster spot is guaranteed in Kansas City’s championship pursuit.