Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane is the newest to board the carousel.
The Chiefs traded up in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft to select Delane with the sixth overall pick. Delane comes in to replace one or both of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, both of whom left in free agency, adding to a long line of stars who moved on after establishing themselves in Kansas City. Speaking to reporters at the Chiefs rookie minicamp Friday, Delane said his goal is not to be one of them.
“It’s great, just to actually get to play football now and do what I do. So, it feels good just getting back, do what I do,” Delane said. “I’m just trying to feel at home now and just get comfortable. Really my main focus is getting that playbook right and just being ready to go.”
The Chiefs traded with the Cleveland Browns to move up to the sixth overall pick from the ninth. He was the first cornerback taken. Delane said it was his ability to play in all three types of coverages—zone, man, and press—that drew them to him.
“[LSU defensive coordinator Blake] Baker’s defense, it was multiple-defense. I got to do everything. I think that ultimately led me to be in the position I am right now. And similar to [Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s] defense, we play everything. A lot of NFL defenses, they may do one type of thing, but we play every type of coverage.”
A reporter asked him to confirm an anecdote that he used to be able to tell which route a receiver is running based on the wide receiver’s split in the formation. He said that depending on if a receiver cut down close to the formation or was split wide, he could eliminate several potential routes, which made his assignment easier.
Delane had significant success in LSU’s defense after three years at Virginia Tech. In 11 games, he racked up 45 total tackles, 13 passes defended, 11 pass break-ups, and 2 interceptions. In his entire college career, he totaled 191 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles and a recovery, 35 passes defended, 27 pass break-ups, and 8 interceptions.
If it translates, Delane was keenly aware that there may very well be opportunities elsewhere.
“You know a lot of the DBs that come here, they don’t stay for long,” he said. “That’s not necessarily a bad thing. It just means they’re getting developed and they’re getting put in the best position. So, I’m just looking forward to be the next one. Hopefully, I’ll stay.”
Delane has a point. He comes in to replace starting outside corners McDuffie and Watson. The Chiefs traded McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, and Watson signed with the team in free agency. A long line of players at the position have found success in the scarlet and gold before signing big contracts elsewhere.
L’Jarius Sneed was drafted by the Chiefs in 2020. After four years with the team, he was traded to the Tennessee Titans and signed a four-year, $76.4 million deal, though he was cut in March.
Charvarius Ward was an undrafted free agent in 2018 and was traded to the Chiefs by the Dallas Cowboys the same year. He spent four years with the team before signing a three-year, $40.5 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers. He signed another deal—three years, $54 million—with the Indianapolis Colts in 2025.
Kendall Fuller started his career with the Washington Redskins, and was sent to the Chiefs as part of the Alex Smith trade in 2018. After two seasons in K.C., he returned to Washington on a four-year, $40 million deal. He last played for the Detroit Lions in 2025.
Steven Nelson was drafted in 2015. He played four years, then signed a three-year, $25.5 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After two years, he flamed out and bounced around with several teams, including a brief return to the Chiefs in 2024.
Marcus Peters was also drafted in 2015. After three years, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams; after two seasons, he was traded again to the Baltimore Ravens. He played four years in Baltimore, then one final season with the Las Vegas Raiders.
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