The Chiefs are fully focused on the playoffs after a dominant 29-10 victory over the Steelers, though one interesting decision seemingly forecasted the team’s offseason plans.
Rookie safety Jaden Hicks, who has surged in recent weeks, played a career-high snap percentage during the game. Veteran starter Justin Reid is a pending free agent who will likely command a hefty contract. Based on the increasing involvement of Hicks and the draft capital spent on him and Bryan Cook, it appears Kansas City is laying the foundation to move on from Reid and spend money elsewhere.
That would track with Brett Veach’s preferred strategy of letting aging members of the secondary go elsewhere, so fans could be watching the final weeks of Reid in a Chiefs uniform.
Chiefs rookie safety Jaden Hicks has recorded three interceptions, tied-4th among all rookie defensive backs this season! @ChiefsFocus | #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/rYBYmafuJw
— P-Mac McGruder (@ChiefsFan4Lyfe) December 23, 2024
Hicks played 71% of the defensive snaps against the Steelers, while Cook played 72% and Reid played a season-low 84%. That the game turned into a blowout likely contributed to the playing time, but it’s still a major development for Hicks to get so much work over the last month.
Reid has been great during his tenure, though difficult decisions will have to be made considering players like Trey Smith and Nick Bolton who are also due for contract extensions. 2025 is also the first year that Patrick Mahomes’ cap hit jumps significantly, making it more difficult for everyone.
Cook was drafted in the second round, while Hicks was taken in the fourth. Just like Veach found a replacement for L’Jarius Sneed in Trent McDuffie before it was time to move on, he’s been preparing the roster to eventually replace Reid.
Hicks grades well at Pro Football Focus and looks ready to take on a larger role. In the most important games, Steve Spagnuolo and Andy Reid trusted him to deliver. That decision was wise, as Hicks has two interceptions in the last three weeks and looks good in coverage.
If the organization believes in a potential Hicks-Cook duo, and it appears that they do, then it makes sense to thank Reid for his contributions and spend the money elsewhere.
Perhaps it depends on how the playoffs go, but the Chiefs are at least considering saying goodbye to the veteran starter based on their recent decisions.
