Chiefs Ink 2-Year Deal with Super Bowl LIX CB to Bolster Secondary Depth

Kansas City, MO – March 24, 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs have fortified their secondary with a savvy offseason signing, inking veteran cornerback James Bradberry to a two-year, $12 million contract, sources confirmed to ESPN on Monday. Bradberry, who started for the Philadelphia Eagles in their Super Bowl LIX triumph over the Chiefs last month, brings seasoned expertise to a Kansas City defense looking to rebound after a 40-22 title-game loss.

Bradberry, 31, played a key role in the Eagles’ championship run, logging 4 tackles and a crucial pass breakup in Super Bowl LIX to stifle a Chiefs comeback attempt. A former All-Pro (2020) with the Giants, Bradberry’s 2024 season included 49 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 7 passes defended across 16 starts, proving he’s still a reliable cover man despite a dip from his peak years. His move to Kansas City addresses a glaring need for depth behind standout Trent McDuffie, who carried the secondary through a shaky 2024 campaign.

The Chiefs’ backfield took a hit last season with Jaylen Watson’s season-ending leg injury (broken fibula and tibia) and inconsistent play from Joshua Williams and Nazeeh Johnson. While Kristian Fulton’s two-year, $20 million deal (signed March 12) bolstered one boundary spot, Bradberry’s arrival gives defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo a proven veteran to pair with McDuffie and Fulton. “James brings experience and poise—we know what he can do,” Spagnuolo said, nodding to Bradberry’s Super Bowl performance against them.

Bradberry’s versatility—he’s played both outside and slot during his nine-year career—allows McDuffie to stay in his All-Pro slot role while Fulton and Bradberry lock down the edges. With Watson, Williams, and Johnson all set to hit free agency after 2025, Bradberry’s two-year pact offers stability and mentorship for a secondary facing a pivotal transition. His 20 career interceptions and 90 passes defended signal he’s far from washed up.

Chiefs Kingdom lit up X with reactions. “Bradberry from LIX to KC? That’s a revenge signing—secondary’s legit now!” one fan tweeted. Another added, “Mahomes gets his Super Bowl nemesis on our side—genius move!” With $65 million in cap space (post-Jawaan Taylor trade) and a first-round pick (#31) still in play, GM Brett Veach is loading up to reclaim the AFC crown.