Brett Veach doesn't usually miss. That’s the gospel in Kansas City, anyway. But as the 2026 offseason kicks into gear, the Kristian Fulton Chiefs free agency deal from last March is looking like one of the few real "what were they thinking?" moments of the current regime.
It was a shocker when it happened. Two years, $20 million. For a guy who had spent more time on the training table than on the boundary during his stint in Tennessee. Sure, he had a "bounce-back" year with the Chargers in 2024, but even then, the tape showed a player who was living on borrowed time.
Now? The bill is due.
The $20 Million Question Most Fans Are Asking
Let’s be honest. When the Chiefs signed Kristian Fulton, the hope was that Steve Spagnuolo’s "cornerback factory" would turn him into the next Charvarius Ward or L’Jarius Sneed. It hasn't happened.
The 2025 season was, frankly, a bit of a disaster for Fulton. He started on the PUP list after a knee cleanup. Then came an ankle injury in Week 2. By the time he actually looked like a professional football player, it was Week 17 against the Broncos.
One good game in December doesn't usually justify a $10 million-a-year price tag.
Here is the reality of the contract situation:
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- Fulton carries a massive $13 million cap hit for the 2026 season.
- The Chiefs are currently staring at a salary cap deficit that would make a CFO faint—estimates put them nearly $58 million over the cap.
- If they cut him now, they eat $8 million in dead money but save $5 million in actual space.
Is $5 million enough to justify losing a veteran when Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams are potentially heading out the door? That's the tightrope Veach is walking right now.
What Really Happened With Kristian Fulton in 2025
You've probably heard the rumors that Fulton was "the odd man out" in the locker room. That's a bit harsh. Kinda.
The truth is more about availability. Spagnuolo’s system is notoriously hard to learn. You can't just "jump in" during Week 10 and expect to know the blitz rotations. Because Fulton missed almost all of training camp, he was playing catch-up while Nohl Williams and the other young bucks were outplaying him.
Honestly, he looked lost at times. In the few snaps he got early in the season, his cushion was too soft. He wasn't pressing like a Chiefs corner is supposed to.
The Week 17 "Masterclass"
Then came Christmas night. Against Denver, Fulton finally looked like the LSU product everyone fell in love with back in 2020. He played 70 snaps. He tipped a ball that turned into a Nick Bolton interception. He held Courtland Sutton to almost nothing in the red zone.
"It felt like this was the first game I played this season," Fulton told the media afterward.
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That one performance changed the narrative overnight. Suddenly, instead of a "guaranteed cut," he became a "maybe we can't live without him" piece. Especially with the rumors that Trent McDuffie might be trade bait to help solve the cap crisis.
The Cornerback Carousel: Why It Matters for 2026
If you look at the Chiefs' depth chart, it’s a mess of expiring rookie deals. Jaylen Watson is a free agent. Joshua Williams is essentially a free agent. Nazeeh Johnson? Also a question mark.
Basically, if the Chiefs cut Fulton to save that $5 million, they might be starting a rookie and a special teamer on the outside next year. That’s a terrifying prospect when you’re trying to keep a championship window open.
The Case for Keeping Him:
- Experience: He’s been in the league five years. You can't teach that.
- The "Spags" Second-Year Leap: Many defenders in this system perform significantly better in year two.
- Insurance: If they do trade McDuffie for a first-round pick, they need a veteran who can at least line up correctly.
The Case for Moving On:
He’s expensive. $13 million for a guy who might play seven games is a luxury this roster can't afford. The Chiefs have proven they can find starting-caliber corners in the fourth and fifth rounds of the draft. Why pay premium prices for a "wait and see" prospect?
What Most People Get Wrong About This Deal
The loudest voices on Twitter will tell you this was a "bust" signing. But you've got to look at the structure. $15 million was guaranteed at signing. The Chiefs knew they were locked in for at least a year and a half.
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The Kristian Fulton Chiefs free agency move wasn't a desperate grab; it was a calculated risk on a high-pedigree player. They bet on his talent and lost on his health. That’s football.
Actionable Insights for the 2026 Offseason
If you’re tracking the Chiefs' roster moves this spring, here is what you should actually watch for regarding Fulton:
- Watch the Restructure Window: If the Chiefs approach Fulton to turn his base salary into a bonus, it means he’s staying. If they don't touch his contract by March, he’s likely gone.
- The Draft Tell: If Kansas City takes a cornerback in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, Fulton’s locker is basically already packed.
- The Post-June 1 Designation: Keep an eye on the timing. If they release him after June 1, they can spread that dead money hit over two years, which makes much more sense for their current cap hell.
The bottom line? Kristian Fulton is a talented player who has been betrayed by his own hamstrings and knees. He showed in Week 17 that he can still play at an elite level. But in a league where the best ability is availability, he might be the most expensive "what if" in Kansas City history.
Don't be surprised if Veach decides to "cut his losses" and let a younger, cheaper, and healthier player take those reps. It’s a cold business, but that’s how you stay on top.
Next Steps for Chiefs Fans: Monitor the NFL transaction wire starting March 11th. The team must decide on Fulton's $250,000 workout bonus and roster status before the new league year begins. If he's still on the roster by March 15th, expect him to be a Week 1 starter.