The biggest surprise of the 2022 NFL draft was seventh-round pick Jaylen Watson. The Washington State standout went from working at Wendy’s to becoming a key defensive player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
You never know what you’ll get with a third-round draft pick. If you’re fortunate enough to be drafted in the seventh round, it’s always a gamble whether that player makes the roster or just the practice squad.
In the 2022 home opener for the Kansas City Chiefs, Jaylen Watson made a splash in Chiefs Kingdom. His 97-yard pick-six against the Los Angeles Chargers quarterback, Justin Herbert, instantly made him a legend. It also highlighted his long journey to the NFL.
Since that game, Watson has been a vital part of the Chiefs’ defense. As the 2024 season began, no player had a bigger impact on the field than Watson. However, a broken leg against the San Francisco 49ers ended his regular season.
He was on pace for a career season, and in a single play, the Chiefs’ defense had to adapt. I believe this was the turning point of the season; he was the defensive MVP. To his credit, after his successful surgery to repair his leg, he worked hard and returned to the Chiefs for their postseason run to Super Bowl LIX.
It was clear he was recovering from an injury, and he fought hard to support his teammates. Now, as he enters a contract year, the Chiefs face a crucial decision regarding Watson.
What makes this more complicated is that Trent McDuffie just had his fifth-year option picked up, and he’ll be a free agent after the 2026 season. Now, the pay difference between Watson and McDuffie is likely in the tens of millions over a long-term deal.
However, I believe Watson is crucial to the Chiefs’ defense in the long run. He’s the kind of player who maximizes his skills. If he remains healthy, he provides Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo with a sense of security, knowing Watson is guarding one side of the defense.
Known as ‘Wat’s Island’ on social media, he understands the man-on-the-island mentality needed when playing single coverage. Being a cornerback in the NFL might be the most challenging position on the field, next to quarterback.
It will be challenging for the Chiefs to sign Watson, but Kansas City has substantial cap room available in 2026 and beyond. However, assuming Travis Kelce retires and the Chiefs cut tackle Jawaan Taylor after the season, KC’s cap space could potentially be used to sign Watson, McDuffie, and defensive end George Karlaftis.
The Chiefs selected California standout Nohl Williams in the third round of the recent NFL draft. He excels at playing on the outside and is known as a ball hawk. Additionally, if the Chiefs are unable to extend Watson or McDuffie, Williams could become a starter for the team in 2026.
If the Chiefs move McDuffie back to the slot, Williams might compete with free agent Kristen Fulton.
How Watson uses the chance to secure a big payday by pressuring the Chiefs into paying him could be crucial for Kansas City to restore defensive success in 2025 and beyond.
I love the long shots that significantly impact NFL rosters, and Watson faced many challenges to reach the NFL. When he got there, he seized every opportunity he had.
In my opinion, he’s a vital part of the team who deserves a big paycheck.
