Tag: steven nelson

Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’

Kansas City #Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo reacts to the signing of Steven Nelson: ‘Take it day by day’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs added former draft pick Steven Nelson to the practice squad earlier this week to prepare him to play a significant role in the postseason run. During Thursday’s press conference, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo opened up about the signing.

“Just take it one day at a time and see what we got; it’s been a while. It’s gonna take, take a while to figure out for him.” Said Spagnuolo. “I sat down to talk with him; he hadn’t been doing a lot, so we had him out there for one day. Take it day by day.”

Nelson started his career in Kansas City, starting in 38 of his 52 games and tallying four interceptions and 182 tackles. Spagnuolo shared his thoughts on the decision to sign the veteran cornerback.

“I talked to him about it; I don’t know how it all transpired. I didn’t ask all those questions,” said Spagnuolo. “I’m assuming Brett (Veach) just kind of researched it, and it developed, and he made a decision to give it a shot. So we’ll see where it goes. It’s so ground-level right now that I don’t really have too much insight, to be honest with you.”

Nelson was believed to be retired after nine NFL seasons and playing last year with the Houston Texans. He is more depth for a secondary that has been hit with injuries this season.

Chiefs HC Andy Reid opened up about newly signed veteran cornerback: ‘A welcomed addition’

Kansas City #Chiefs head coach Andy Reid opened up about newly signed veteran cornerback Steven Nelson: ‘A welcomed addition’ | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid held his weekly Zoom press conference with reporters on Monday. Shortly before his workout and eventual signing to the practice squad, he shared his opinion on free agent veteran cornerback Steven Nelson.

“He (Steven Nelson) – well, he was a good player when he was here. He came out of Oregon State with the ability to return and play corner and then developed into a starting corner in the league.” Reid said. “He had a nice career for the last how many years. It was the ability to add a little depth to that spot. We’ll just see how things work out (and) see kind of where he’s at today. He would be a welcomed addition if he’s – if it all works out.”

After spending last season with the Houston Texans, Nelson briefly retired during the offseason. He entered the league as a third-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2015 NFL draft, playing in Kansas City for four seasons before leaving for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.

The Chiefs’ becoming thin in the secondary due to injury could’ve been a factor for Nelson’s addition. Cornerback Joshua Williams notably left early in Week 14’s victory over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Former Texans CB unretires to face former team in Week 16’s showdown

Former defensive back Steven Nelson could be taking on the Houston Texans in Week 16’s matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs

Steven Nelson wasn’t a fan of retirement life, so he’s headed back to where his career started for a playoff push.

The Kansas City Chiefs announced Monday they signed the former Houston Texans cornerback to their practice squad, thus shoring up their injury-depleted secondary just before the holidays. 

Much like Houston, Kansas City plays two games within five days against the Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Nelson, 31, announced his retirement from football after nine NFL seasons in June. Multiple teams were interested in signing him on a one-year deal, but neither side could agree to the basics of the contract. 

A third-round pick out of Oregon State, Nelson spent four seasons with the Chiefs as the team’s No. 2 cornerback. He started 38 games and was regarded as one of the better secondary defenders.

He played his last two in Houston as the team’s top defender opposite Derek Stingley Jr. In the offseason, the Texans chose to move on from Nelson despite a solid season in favor of a younger defender for DeMeco Ryans’ defense. 

With their first pick, the Texans drafted Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter. He’s been a staple for a Houston secondary that ranks seventh in pass coverage entering Week 15. 

Nelson was a standout player on the field but was consistently drawing negative attention toward himself off it. Tension began when Nelson made fun of general manager Nick Caserio on Instagram after he didn’t extend his contract in the 2023 offseason.

He posted a photo of a down vest, a staple of Caserio’s attire, and wrote, “Can’t trust a MF that wears these for every day of the week. Clown freak.”

Caserio eventually let it slide once training camp began, but Nelson wasn’t done.

After nearly a million residents lost power during a deadly storm in May, Nelson publically called out Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on Instagram to help relief efforts, writing, “Let’s go milk dud man. It’s your time to shine. Damn all that meathead persona. Time to get your hands dirty for the city.”

Most recently, Nelson was vocal on X, formerly known as Twitter,  calling out linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for his illegal hit against Trevor Lawrence. Shortly after the hit to Lawrence in the second quarter of Week 13’s 23-20 win, Nelson called it “crash out behavior” from Al-Shaair.

Al-Shaair was suspended for three games and fined. Meanwhile, Lawrence was placed on the season-ending injured reserve, though Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said the team planned on shutting him down because of a shoulder injury.

If all goes according to plan, Nelson could be added to the Chiefs’ active roster soon. Kansas City lost multiple starters, including Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams, for multiple games. And while Trent McDuffie is perhaps the league’s most underrated defensive back, the remaining options have ten combined career starts.

So, yes, Nelson could be making his debut against the Texans at Arrowhead with playoff implications on the line.

In the great words of Lane Kiffin, you might want to get your popcorn ready. 

Steven Nelson comes out of retirement, signs with Chiefs practice squad

The Kansas City #Chiefs signed veteran DB Steven Nelson on Monday after their win over the Los Angeles #Chargers on ‘Sunday Night Football’

The Kansas City Chiefs signed veteran defensive back Steven Nelson to a practice squad contract on Monday after their Week 14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Nelson, who initially entered the league as a third-round pick of the Chiefs in the 2015 NFL draft, played in Kansas City for four seasons before signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2019.

After his time in the City of Bridges, Nelson played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 and the Houston Texans in 2022 and 2023 before he announced his retirement on June 6, 2024.

Though it may take some time for Nelson to earn an activation from the Chiefs’ practice squad, his addition signals that general manager Brett Veach saw a need to add experience to Kansas City’s secondary.

Fans can expect Nelson to become a key contributor to the Chiefs’ defensive backfield if injuries continue to affect Kansas City’s cornerback depth in the final weeks of the regular season.

Report: Former Chiefs CB to visit Kansas City on Monday

Former Kansas City #Chiefs DB Steven Nelson will reportedly visit the team facility for a potential return | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have dealt with numerous injuries on both sides of the ball this season. Each lost player has forced general manager Brett Veach and the front office to look outside the organization to add veteran talent.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, recently retired cornerback Steven Nelson is expected to visit the Chiefs on Monday for a potential reunion. His long-time agent, Josh Arnold, confirmed this visit, as Nelson could be an option to rejoin the organization he began his career with after being drafted in 2015.

In the first four seasons of his career, he played for Kansas City, starting in 38 of his 52 games. He collected four interceptions and 182 tackles before leaving in free agency before the 2019 season. He announced his retirement in June after nine seasons but could be ready to put on his pads again for a chance at a Super Bowl run.

Nelson made stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles and spent the last two seasons with the Houston Texans. He appeared in 130 career games with 115 starts, recording 13 career interceptions, 87 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one sack, and 456 total tackles.

4 free-agent CBs the Rams should consider signing with Darious Williams out

Darious Williams is out at least four games and the Rams’ CB group is getting thin already

Things are quickly unraveling for the Los Angeles Rams at cornerback. Derion Kendrick is out for the year with a torn ACL and now Darious Williams has landed on injured reserve with a hamstring strain that he suffered on the second day of training camp.

Tre’Davious White is healthy but Cobie Durant, who will replace Williams, has a hamstring injury of his own that limited him in practice Wednesday. It’s possible that if Durant can’t play, either Charles Woods or Josh Wallace – two undrafted rookies – will be elevated into a starting role.

It’s especially concerning for this week against the Lions, but the Rams also need to think about the following three weeks when Williams will also be out. Here are four free-agent corners the Rams could consider signing to help round out the depth chart while Williams is sidelined.

Xavien Howard: It’s slightly surprising that Howard is still a free agent after being cut by the Dolphins in the spring. He’s a ball hawk who has 29 career interceptions, typically playing his best in zone coverage – a staple of the Rams defense. He’s now 31 years old and hasn’t practiced at all this year, so it is risky to sign him but he’s probably the most talented corner available.

Ahkello Witherspoon: Witherspoon was the Rams’ best cornerback last season, playing every regular-season game and recording three interceptions. Yes, he got torched in his last game as a Ram against the Lions, but he’s familiar with Los Angeles’ scheme and should be able to pick things up pretty quickly if signed.

Duke Shelley: The veteran played 11 games with the Rams last season, primarily as a special teams contributor. He did play 76 snaps on defense and has the ability to play in the slot or on the outside. Shelley has decent ball skills and broke up two passes in limited playing time last year.

Steven Nelson: Nelson, a 31-year-old veteran, played all 17 games for the Texans last season and has suited up in at least 15 games in each of the last six years. Like Williams, he’s primarily a boundary cornerback so he could help fill in on the outside opposite White.

Report: Commanders had interest in free-agent CB Steven Nelson this offseason

Does this mean the Commanders are still looking for cornerback help?

Cornerback Steven Nelson is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston.

Nelson spent the past two seasons with the Houston Texans and played a key role in their worst-to-first turnaround last season. Nelson, 31, played so well that multiple teams had interest in signing him this offseason.

Wilson said the Texans, Raiders, Commanders, Giants, Rams, and Dolphins all showed interest in Nelson this offseason. Perhaps Nelson was tired of waiting and didn’t want to spend any more time waiting on a contract offer or dealing with the grind of another training camp.

Nelson said he’s proud of his football legacy.

“Retirement, after thinking it over and having some talks with my family, I think it’s time for me to take a step back and spend more time with my family,” Nelson said in a telephone interview. “We’re expecting a newborn this coming month, and I wanted to devote all of my time and energy to that and various business ventures off the field. I’m extremely proud of what I was able to do in the game of football.”

A third-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2015 NFL draft, Nelson spent four seasons in Kansas City, two with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one with the Philadelphia Eagles and the final two years with the Texans.

“Coming from a small town without a lot of resources, having to go to junior college, making it out of there to go to Oregon State, which was across the country from my family, going through a lot of trials and tribulations to get to where I am today and to be able to persevere and make it this far. I’m extremely proud of my legacy and my career.”

Nelson played in every game for Houston last season and has only missed five games over the past six seasons.

Does Washington’s interest in Nelson mean the team isn’t done looking for cornerback help? Had the Commanders signed Nelson, he would’ve immediately jumped to the front of the line as a contender to start. Washington signed multiple veteran cornerbacks this offseason, with Michael Davis expected to start opposite Benjamin St-Juste. The Commanders hope 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes is helped by the new coaching staff and emerges in 2024.

Former Chiefs DB Steven Nelson announces retirement

Former Kansas City #Chiefs DB Steven Nelson announced his retirement after nine seasons in the NFL. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have earned plenty of respect over the last few seasons for their Super Bowl titles and unrivaled success. Many players have helped build the foundation for the current success that just missed out.

Veteran NFL cornerback and former Chiefs starter Steven Nelson announced his retirement from the league on Sunday.

“Retirement, after thinking it over and having some talks with my family, I think it’s time for me to take a step back and spend more time with my family,” said Nelson during a phone interview with KPRC 2 in Houston. The 31-year-old has decided to call it a career after nine seasons.

In the 2015 draft class out of Oregon State, Nelson was the 14th cornerback selected, eventually going in the third round to Kansas City. During the first four seasons of his career, he played for the Chiefs, often as a starter in 38 of his 52 games. He tallied four interceptions and 182 tackles before leaving in free agency before the 2019 season.

“I think I’ll be remembered, mostly by my teammates, the guys that I played with and put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears with. as a leader and somebody that not only tries to lead by words but through my actions,” said Nelson. “Being a true pro and doing everything the right way.”

Nelson made stops with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles, and the last two seasons with the Houston Texans. In 130 career games with 115 starts, he recorded 13 career interceptions, 87 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one sack, and 456 total tackles.

Report: Rams showed interest in free-agent CB Steven Nelson this offseason

The Rams were among the teams to inquire about or offer a contract to CB Steven Nelson, who has since decided to retire from the NFL

The Los Angeles Rams completely remodeled their secondary this offseason, both in free agency and the draft. They signed Darious Williams and Tre’Davious White as free agents, while also adding Kamren Curl early in the process. They then drafted Kamren Kinchens in Round 3, potentially giving them four new starters in the secondary.

They considered adding another player, too, according to one report. Aaron Wilson reported that the Rams were among the teams to either offer a contract to or make a serious inquiry about veteran cornerback Steven Nelson this offseason.

Nelson has since decided to retire from the NFL at the age of 31, surprisingly after a career year in which he had four interceptions and 63 tackles.

Like White and Williams, Nelson has primarily been an outside cornerback in his career, so it’s unlikely the Rams’ interest in him came after they had signed their two new veteran starters.

Nelson would’ve been a nice addition to the defense after the season he just had but the team has to be excited about the tandem of Williams and White on the outside.

Former Texans CB Steven Nelson retires after nine seasons

Former Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson is calling it a career after nine NFL seasons.

Former Houston Texans cornerback Steven Nelson is hanging up the cleats.

Nelson, who spent nine seasons as a standout No. 2 cornerback, announced his retirement from the NFL Sunday, according to KPCR2 Sports Aaron Wilson, citing he’d like to leave on his own terms. He plans to spend more time with his pregnant wife, Monica, and family while pursuing other business ventures.

“After thinking it over and having some talks with my family, I think it’s time for me to take a step back and spend more time with my family,” Nelson told Wilson. “We’re expecting a newborn this coming month and I wanted to devote all of my time and energy to that and various business ventures off the field.

“I’m extremely proud of my legacy and my career.”

Nelson, 31, spent his final two seasons with the Texans, playing opposite former first-round pick Derek Stingley Jr. He was a standout in 2023 while helping Houston clinch its first division title in four years, notching a career-high five interceptions, including an 82-yard interception return for a touchdown in a blowout AFC wild-card playoff game victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Houston chose not to re-sign Nelson in favor of C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah. According to reports, Nelson had options on the table to play in 2024, including multi-year deals with the New York Giants and Washington Commanders but instead chose to call it time for his family.

That doesn’t mean he won’t return to the game in the future, though his sights in the present are set on different ventures.

“I always will keep my body in shape and will always be ready if the right opportunity comes or I feel like the timing is right and my heart is into, I’ll do it,” Nelson said. “As of now, I think it’s best for me to take a step back and just enjoy my family.”

Drafted out of Oregon State in 2014, Nelson played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Texans in 2022.

In nine seasons, he totaled 456 tackles, 11 tackles for losses, 87 passes defensed, 13 interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a sack.

“I really appreciate the Texans and I’m proud of everything we accomplished together the past few years, building a winner and going from some very tough times to becoming a playoff team,” Nelson said. “I wish those guys all the luck in the world and I’ll be cheering them on. I hope my guys win it all.”