The Kansas City Chiefs are keeping a former seventh-round pick in their secondary for a chance at more development in 2024.
According to a report from Chiefs Digest’s Matt Derrick, Nazeeh Johnson has received his qualifying tender from the team. He was set to become an exclusive rights-free agent (ERFA) for Kansas City. Brett Veach and his staff avoided losing Johnson to free agency.
The Chiefs have re-signed four exclusive rights free agents, per source:
CB Nazeeh Johnson
LB Cole Christiansen
G/C Mike Caliendo
DE Malik HerringAll will be back with KC for 2024.
— Matt Derrick (@mattderrick) March 11, 2024
A former 2022 seventh-round NFL Draft selection, Johnson was a part of the Chiefs draft class that focused on revamping the team’s defense. He played in 11 games as a rookie but was sidelined in 2023 with a torn ACL in camp. He made a positive impression on special teams, receiving praise from coordinator Dave Toub.
Johnson’s recovery from the injury will likely factor him immediately into special teams formations upon his return to the field. He could see an opportunity to make an impact in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense, which features many substitutions. The former Marshall standout has the potential to be a hidden gem in the system since he didn’t have an opportunity to play last season.