Tag: defensive back

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo explains the legacy left by former All-Pro Safety

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo explains the legacy left by Tyrann Mathieu | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ defense has dramatically improved over the years, primarily due to veteran talent that changed the culture.

During Friday’s press conference, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo praised former star defensive back Tyrann Mathieu.

“Listen, I’ve got a special place in my heart for (Saints S) Tyrann (Mathieu), right? He’s a special guy. It’ll be great to see him” said Spagnuolo. “I think the last time – I think we saw him when we went down there (to New Orleans) (for the) preseason game. Yeah, that’s the last time we got the chance to give him a big hug, but (I) love Tyrann.

Mathieu signed with his hometown, New Orleans Saints, before the start of the 2023 season but made sure to leave an ongoing legacy within the Chiefs secondary.

“You know, I see it every day. It’s a little thing, but our DBs, before we – you guys aren’t out there until we get to stretch, right?” said Spagnuolo “Usually, about 10 minutes before that, all of the DBs are out on the field, and they’re doing footwork and (Defensive Backs Coach) Dave’s (Merritt) with them and (Safeties Coach) Donald’s (D’Alesio) with them, but that was really established with Tyrann all the way back (in 2019). He was pulling those guys out of the locker room 10 minutes early, so that’s a leadership thing.”

Mathieu spent three seasons in Kansas City, earning Pro Bowl selections twice, first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and second-team honors in 2019. He made an impression on a young L’Jarius Sneed, who has then passed on traits to current lead defensive back Trent McDuffie.

“I think he laid a foundation here, especially in the secondary, of some of the things that we do quite frankly and the way (that) they operate,” said Spagnuolo. “I know those years. Looking back on when he was first here (Titans CB L’Jarius Sneed), LJ was young at the time, and I remember him learning from Tyrann. Then, Tyrann left, and LJ was teaching Trent (McDuffie), so there’s been a trickle down, and I think we owe Tyrann a lot for what he did when he was here.”

If he’s available to play on Monday, Mathieu should expect some applause and appreciation from the Arrowhead Stadium crowd.

Broncos worked out 2 defensive backs on Thursday

The Broncos worked out defensive backs Marquise Blair and Alex Johnson on Thursday.

The Denver Broncos brought in a pair of defensive backs for workouts on Thursday, according to the NFL’s transaction wire (via KPRC-TV’s Aaron Wilson).

The Broncos hosted Marquise Blair and Alex Johnson on a tryout basis. As of the time of this writing, neither defensive back has been signed.

Blair (6-1, 196 pounds) entered the league as a second-round pick out of Utah with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019. He spent the first three years of his career in Seattle, totaling 49 tackles and three pass breakups in 22 games (three starts) from 2019-2021.

After being waived by the Seahawks in 2022, Blair played in three games with the Carolina Panthers before later joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. He returned to Seattle this summer and spent part of the season the Seahawks’ practice squad before being released on Sept. 24. Blair is a safety who can also play as a slot cornerback.

Johnson (6-0, 185 pounds) is a rookie out of UCLA who spent time with the New York Giants this summer. He is a nickel cornerback who spent six seasons at the college level. Johnson grabbed five interceptions and broke up three passes in his final season with the Bruins last fall.

Broncos worked out two players

  1. DB Marquise Blair (Utah)
  2. DB Alex Johnson (UCLA)

The 53-man roster and 17-player practice squad are both full, so if the Broncos add a defensive back, they will need to make room on the team with a corresponding roster move.

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Sauce Gardner, Justin Simmons and more react to Pat Surtain’s mega deal

Sauce Gardner, Jalen Ramsey and Justin Simmons reacted to the Pat Surtain news on Twitter/X.

The Denver Broncos gave All-Pro cornerback Pat Surtain a four-year, $96 million contract extension on Wednesday, making him the highest-paid defensive back in NFL history.

Here’s a sampling of how fans, pundits and players reacted to the news on Twitter/X, headlined by reactions from safety Justin Simmons and fellow cornerbacks Sauce Gardner and Jalen Ramsey.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1831324150268326295

https://twitter.com/jsimms1119/status/1831330133472412090

https://twitter.com/iamSauceGardner/status/1831322026516058486

https://twitter.com/jalenramsey/status/1831322690852172004

https://twitter.com/PjLocke4/status/1831387255044513845

https://twitter.com/ChrisHarrisJr/status/1831499228172239264

https://twitter.com/BrandonPerna/status/1831324572420919448

https://twitter.com/FrankiesFilm/status/1831324003442790864

https://twitter.com/MileHighMims/status/1831322406700605876

https://twitter.com/Robby_NFL/status/1831326336775753862

https://twitter.com/MaseDenver/status/1831330475199140007

https://twitter.com/ZacStevensDNVR/status/1831329056127693188

The Broncos previously gave guard Quinn Meinerz a four-year, $80 million deal in July. Denver has now secured their top two players for the duration of rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s contract.

Surtain, 24, is entering his fourth season in the NFL and looking to build on his seven career interceptions. PS2 was already considered the best cornerback in the league — now he’s paid like it.

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Broncos worked out DB Christian Holmes on Monday

The Broncos brought in cornerback Christian Holmes for a workout on Monday.

The Denver Broncos brought in defensive back Christian Holmes for a workout on Monday, according to KPRC-TV’s Aaron Wilson.

Holmes (6-1, 205 pounds) entered the league as a seventh-round pick out of Oklahoma State with the Washington Commanders in 2022. He dressed for all 17 games as a rookie and started two contests, totaling 12 tackles and two fumble recoveries in his first season.

Last year, Holmes played in 13 games and recorded eight tackles and one pass breakup. He also played 607 snaps on special teams during his two-year stint with the Commanders.

The 26-year-old cornerback had a scary moment last December when he collapsed on the field after a play. Holmes was then carted off the field and quickly ruled out of the game with a concussion.

Holmes was cut by Washington on Aug. 5 and claimed off waivers by the New York Giants, who waived Holmes during final roster cuts on Aug. 25. He’s now getting a look in Denver.

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Former Chiefs defensive back credits Steve Spagnuolo for reviving his career

Former Kansas City #Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu credits Steve Spagnuolo for reviving his career | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory was a monumental moment in the franchise’s history, helping start the current dynasty. Many players from that season remain, while others have found new teams, but they still maintain respect and support for the coaching staff.

During a recent conversation with Sportscasting’s Kyle Odegard, former Chiefs Pro Bowl safety Tyrann Mathieu praised his experience with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

“Spags (Steve Spagnuolo) rejuvenated me, because there was three to four years where my coach wasn’t calling plays for me,” said Mathieu. “They didn’t think I could do that. He knew I could. He played a big part in my revival.”

Mathieu spent three seasons in Kansas City, earning Pro Bowl selections twice, first-team All-Pro honors in 2020 and second-team honors in 2019. He thanked Spagnuolo for allowing him the freedom to make plays during games.

“Every play that came into the huddle was, ‘Alright, Tyrann, what do you want to do: Play quarters, play half field, do you want to rob the middle?’ I had that freedom. I had the green dot to do what I wanted. That sh– helped me too.” said Mathieu. “So much of the game is psychological, man, mental, and that sh– was important for me. It was a few years before I went to work thinking, ‘This sh– is about to pop off like I’m about to make a play.’ That sh– helps you get out of bed every morning.”

Mathieu is entering his third season with the New Orleans Saints. He is still making plays and maintaining plenty of appreciation from the Chiefs fanbase.

Chiefs DB Kamal Hadden on returning from injury: ‘I feel like I am back’

Chiefs DB Kamal Hadden on returning from injury: ‘I feel like I am back’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ late-round selections in recent NFL Drafts have proven fruitful.

Chiefs rookie defensive back Kamal Hadden had his college career ended earlier than expected following a shoulder injury last fall. He addressed the status of his surgically repaired shoulder to reporters on Friday.

“I feel back when I feel like I’m back. “said Hadden. “It’s really good to be back on the field. I feel like I’m more faster, I feel like I’m stronger, and mainly, I feel like I’m smarter, so that just the game took me out, but it helped me grow mentally and helped me grow as a man and as a player.”

Hadden was a sixth-round selection in this year’s NFL Draft. He finished his last year at Tennessee with 19 tackles, three interceptions, and a touchdown in a shortened year. As training camp begins, he has developed a close connection with a Chiefs teammate.

“Me and Nic Jones are from Michigan, so I train with him a lot. And, just asking him questions every day when we train, bouncing things off of him while we are training, and asking him any little things to help me help a rookie come in,” said Hadden. “Because he was also a rookie, I just asked him little things like that every day while we trained. “

Harden will compete in camp to join the talented Chiefs’ defensive secondary unit.

Broncos roster series: No. 45 DB Omar Brown

Broncos rookie defensive back Omar Brown spent time at cornerback and safety in college, totaling 16 PBUs and 9 INTs in five seasons.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie safety Omar Brown, No. 45.

During the offseason, teammates can share jersey numbers if they play on opposite sides of the ball. This summer, Brown will share No. 45 with tight end Nate Adkins.

Before the Broncos: Brown (6-1, 200 pounds) spent three years at Northern Iowa, totaling 140 tackles, 13 pass breakups and eight interceptions in 29 games with college football’s Panthers. He then transferred to Nebraska ahead of the 2022 season. After a limited role in his first season, Brown emerged as a key player in 2023, recording 51 tackles, three pass breakups, two forced fumbles, one interception and one fumble recovery in 12 games.

A versatile defensive back, Brown received honorable mention All-Big Ten recognition in 2023. He spent time at both safety and cornerback in college.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Brown as an undrafted free agent this spring. He was one of the top UDFAs available following the 2024 NFL draft.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Longshot. The Broncos have a crowded safety depth chart, so Brown will likely be competing for a spot on the practice squad this summer.

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Broncos roster series: No. 43, DB Keidron Smith

Broncos second-year defensive back Keidron Smith spent time with two teams before landing in Denver last December.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year defensive back Keidron Smith, No. 43.

During the offseason, teammates can share jersey numbers if they play on opposite sides of the ball. This summer, Smith will share No. 43 with running back Blake Watson.

Before the Broncos: Smith (6-2, 210 pounds) spent four years at Ole Miss, totaling 216 tackles, 21 pass breakups, five interceptions, five forced fumbles and one sack in 47 games with the Rebels. Smith then transferred to Kentucky and recorded 46 tackles, five pass breakups, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), one forced fumble and one fumble recovery in 13 games. Coaches named him a second-team All-SEC defensive back following his final season in 2022.

Smith went undrafted last spring and signed with the Miami Dolphins. He later spent time on the practice squad of the Washington Commanders before being cut in October. Two months later, Smith committed to play in the XFL, but he got another opportunity in the NFL before officially joining the spring league.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Smith to its practice squad last December. He is yet to appear in a regular season game in the NFL. It remains to be seen if the Broncos plan to use him as a cornerback or safety.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. Smith will face an uphill make to make the active roster this summer. Perhaps a candidate to serve as a backup nickelback, Smith’s best chance to stick around in 2024 will likely be on the practice squad.

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Broncos roster series: No. 36, DB Quinton Newsome

Broncos rookie defensive back Quinton Newsome will aim to impress in a crowded secondary this summer.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie defensive back Quinton Newsome, No. 36.

During the offseason, teammates can share jersey numbers if they play on opposite sides of the ball. This summer, Newsome will share No. 36 with running back Tyler Badie.

Before the Broncos: Newsome (6-1, 185 pounds) played five years of college football at Nebraska, earning honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in 2023 and 2022. In his final three seasons with the Cornhuskers, Newsome totaled 138 tackles, 17 pass breakups, three sacks and one interception. A converted safety, Newsome can play as a cornerback or nickelback.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Newsome as a college free agent in May. He’s set to compete for a spot on the roster during training camp and preseason this summer.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. The Broncos have more experienced options at cornerback and safety, so Newsome will likely be competing for a spot on the practice squad as a rookie.

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Broncos roster series: No. 35, CB Reese Taylor

After spending part of last season on the practice squad, Broncos cornerback Reese Taylor will aim to impress at training camp this summer.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year cornerback Reese Taylor, No. 35.

Before the Broncos: Taylor (5-9, 188 pounds) spent four seasons at Indiana before transferring to Purdue as a fifth-year senior in 2022. In four years with the Hoosiers, Taylor totaled 74 tackles, 11 pass breakups, two interceptions, two sacks and one forced fumble in 40 games. In his lone season with the Boilermakers, Taylor recorded 34 tackles, four pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery in 13 games.

Taylor signed with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2023 but failed to make their 53-man roster.

Broncos tenure: Taylor tried out for Denver last October. One month later, he signed with the practice squad. Taylor did not appear in any games as a rookie.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. Taylor is likely competing for a spot on the practice squad this summer. Anything can happen at training camp, but the 24-year-old cornerback is unlikely to make the active roster.

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