Jaylen Watson: From Seventh-Round Steal to Coveted Free Agent
When the Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill in 2022, it wasn’t just the offense that needed retooling. Kansas City pivoted hard toward rebuilding its defense, using seven of its ten draft picks that year on that side of the ball. One of those picks-seemingly a long shot at the time-was Jaylen Watson, a seventh-rounder who turned out to be one of the most underrated pieces of that class.
Taken 243rd overall, Watson didn’t arrive with much fanfare. He’d made his name as an All-American at the JuCo level before putting together a solid stint at Washington State. But what he became in Kansas City was more than anyone could’ve reasonably expected: a reliable, physical, and versatile corner who played well above his draft slot.
Over four seasons with the Chiefs, Watson developed into a fixture in the secondary. He racked up 24 passes defended, 8 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Perhaps most impressively, opposing quarterbacks completed just 60.6% of their passes when targeting him-a testament to his instincts, length, and ability to disrupt routes on the outside.
A Bounce-Back Contract Year
Watson’s 2024 season was derailed by injury, limiting him to just nine games, including the playoffs. But in 2025, he returned with a vengeance, starting 15 games and emerging as one of the more consistent pieces on a Kansas City defense that struggled to find its footing at times.
While coverage is the calling card for any corner, Watson brings more than just sticky man-to-man skills. He’s never shied away from contact, and his physicality showed up in a big way this past season. He posted a career-high 64 tackles in 2025, showcasing his willingness to step up in run support and lay the wood when needed.
His ball production remained steady, too-six more passes defended and two interceptions, along with a pair of sacks. That last stat might raise some eyebrows, but it’s not a fluke.
Steve Spagnuolo has long loved using corners on blitzes, and Watson’s size and timing make him a natural fit for those packages. His ability to contribute across multiple phases of the defense only adds to his value heading into free agency.
The Market for Watson Is Heating Up
Cornerbacks don’t last long on the open market, especially those with Watson’s profile-long, physical, productive, and still young. Every team in the league is looking to shore up its secondary, and Watson has the kind of tape and versatility that should draw plenty of attention.
There are several teams that could make a strong push. The Rams, for example, are facing the potential departure of three corners-Cobie Durant, Roger McCreary, and Ahkello Witherspoon. That’s a lot of turnover in one room, and Watson could step in as a plug-and-play starter.
Seattle is another intriguing fit. The Seahawks have a strong front seven and a budding star in Devon Witherspoon, but depth behind him has been shaky.
With Riq Woolen and Josh Jobe both heading toward free agency, Watson could be the kind of stabilizing presence that new head coach Mike Macdonald covets. Macdonald is known for his defensive creativity, and Watson’s ability to cover, blitz, and tackle fits right into that mold.
Buffalo and Detroit also loom as potential suitors. The Bills could lose both Tre’Davious White and Cam Lewis, while the Lions may move on from veterans Amik Robertson and Avonte Maddox. In both cases, Watson would bring a level of consistency and toughness that’s hard to find at the position.
According to Spotrac, Watson’s projected market value is around $12.5 million per season-a number that reflects both his production and the premium nature of his position.
Will the Chiefs Retain Him?
It’s hard to imagine Kansas City shelling out that kind of money for a cornerback, especially given their track record. The Chiefs have built their secondary through the draft and mid-tier free-agent signings, rarely paying top dollar for defensive backs. With limited cap space and other roster priorities, Watson may simply price himself out of Kansas City’s plans.
That’s not a knock on his value-it’s a reflection of how the Chiefs operate. Unless something shifts in their approach, especially regarding Trent McDuffie’s long-term role, Watson is likely headed for a new home.
What’s Next?
Watson’s journey from seventh-round flyer to potential eight-figure free agent is the kind of story every scout dreams of. He’s proven he can play in big moments, hold up against top receivers, and bring a physical edge to the position. Whether he lands with a contender looking for one final piece or a rebuilding team in need of leadership and production, Watson’s next chapter is shaping up to be a rewarding one.
One thing’s for sure: whoever lands him won’t be getting a project-they’ll be getting a proven, battle-tested corner ready to make an impact from Day 1.