For the first time in his NFL career, Nazeeh Johnson is staring at real uncertainty.

As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare for another offseason of roster turnover, Johnson finds himself entering unrestricted free agency — a familiar reality for the league, but a new one for him.

And yet, despite the unknowns, the homegrown defensive back sounds anything but uneasy.

“The Chiefs Know What I Can Do”

Johnson, a seventh-round pick out of Marshall in 2022, spoke candidly about his future in an interview with The Winchester Star. His message was clear: he believes a return to Kansas City makes sense — for both sides.

“I think the Chiefs are going to bring me back,” Johnson said.
“I can test the market and see how much I’m valued, but the Chiefs know what I can do.”

While league rules prevent direct communication during this phase of free agency, Johnson suggested there’s already a mutual understanding.

“They know my talent level,” he added. “Now it’s about how other teams see me — as a safety, a corner, a nickel. But what I can always hang my hat on is special teams. I can make plays there, and I can also give defensive snaps.”

Betting on Special Teams Value

If Johnson has a calling card, it’s versatility — especially on special teams.

He doubled down on that value, pointing to the league’s evolving kickoff rules as an opportunity for players like him to carve out meaningful roles.

“With the new kickoff rule, you can make a good living being a special teams player,” Johnson explained.
“It’s like another form of defense. It gives guys who might be on the bubble a real chance to earn an NFL paycheck.”

That argument likely resonates in Kansas City, where special teams coordinator Dave Toub has long prioritized reliability and versatility.

The Complicated On-Field Resume

Of course, confidence alone won’t guarantee a contract.

Johnson’s defensive résumé is mixed. Injuries cost him all of 2023 and most of 2025, limiting his availability during crucial stretches. When he did see extended defensive action in 2024–25, the results were uneven.

He allowed 23 completions on 42 targets and posted a 107.7 passer rating against him. According to Pro Football Focus, his 53.9 overall grade ranked near the bottom among qualified cornerbacks, with coverage metrics telling a similar story.

Primarily used as an outside corner, Johnson also logged snaps in the slot, in the box, and even along the defensive front — but ultimately fell behind players like Trent McDuffie and Chamarri Conner in nickel packages.

Originally drafted as a safety, Johnson has bounced between roles throughout his career, which can be both a strength and a limitation.

Why the Chiefs Might Still Be Interested

At 27 years old, Johnson is still in his athletic prime. He’s trusted on special teams, understands the system, and has existing relationships with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and the rest of the coaching staff.

The flip side? Durability concerns and inconsistent coverage play will likely cap his market.

Johnson isn’t expected to command significant money in free agency, making him a candidate for a low-cost return — the kind of depth signing Kansas City has often leaned on during its championship window.

A Realistic Outlook

This isn’t a situation where either side is likely to break the bank.

Johnson profiles closer to a veteran-minimum or modest one-year deal than a multi-year investment. But in the right role — primarily special teams with situational defensive snaps — he still offers value.

And Johnson knows it.

“I’m a good asset to any program,” he said. “Especially to the Chiefs.”

Whether Kansas City agrees will become clear in the weeks ahead. But one thing is certain: Nazeeh Johnson isn’t entering free agency hoping for a miracle.

He believes he’s already proven enough — and that the Chiefs know it too.