The Kansas City Chiefs have seen a wealth of talent at the cornerback position, making the task of narrowing down the top contributors a challenge. Stars like Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed, and Brandon Carr, though impressive, didn’t make the cut, underscoring the depth of talent that has graced the Chiefs’ roster.
Our rankings are based on a blend of statistics—interceptions, completion percentage allowed, touchdowns allowed, among others—with a significant weight given to longevity given the transient nature of cornerback performance, influenced by numerous variables like opposing talent and health.
The Top 10 Cornerbacks in Chiefs History
10b. Trent McDuffie
Though only in his early stages with the Chiefs, McDuffie has shown exceptional promise. Despite a short career interrupted by injuries, his early achievements, including an All-Pro selection in 2023 and remarkable performances in key games like Super Bowl LV, suggest a bright future.
10a. Brandon Flowers
Flowers, a solid draft pick from Virginia Tech, quickly became a key player for Kansas City. Over six seasons, his consistent performance, highlighted by 17 interceptions and a Pro Bowl appearance, earned him a revered spot on this list.
9. Kevin Ross
Part of perhaps one of the most formidable secondaries in Chiefs history in the late 1980s, Ross, known for his aggressive play and knack for scoring on defense, left a lasting legacy with 30 interceptions and multiple touchdown returns.
8. Jim Marsalis
Drafted in 1969, Marsalis quickly lived up to expectations by winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. His physical style and contributions to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV victory have cemented his place in franchise history.
7. Dave Grayson
An undrafted gem, Grayson shone brightly in his brief tenure with the Chiefs before being traded to the Raiders. His record in the AFL speaks volumes about his impact on the field.
6. Gary Green
Selected No. 10 overall in 1977, Green lived up to his billing with seven standout seasons in Kansas City. His coverage skills earned him numerous Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods, making him a formidable opponent on defense.
5. James Hasty
A model of longevity and performance, Hasty rejuvenated his career in Kansas City after joining from the Jets. His time with the Chiefs was marked by stellar play deep into his career, culminating in league-leading interceptions in 1999.
4. Marcus Peters
Though Peters’ time in Kansas City was marred by off-field issues, his on-field performance was undeniably impactful. His knack for turnovers placed him among the most dynamic defensive playmakers.
3. Dale Carter
A brilliant talent occasionally overshadowed by his controversies, Carter’s early years in Kansas City were marked by significant defensive feats, including four straight Pro Bowl appearances that showcased his elite skills.
2. Albert Lewis
Lewis not only excelled at cornerback but was also a special teams phenom. His long Chiefs tenure and remarkable consistency make a compelling case for his Hall of Fame consideration.
1. Emmitt Thomas
A legend both on and off the field, Thomas is a cornerstone of the Chiefs franchise. His record for interceptions and his tenure as a coach, influencing numerous players, solidify him as the greatest cornerback in Chiefs history.
This list of elite players stands as a testament to the rich defensive legacy of the Kansas City Chiefs, blending historical impact with contemporary excellence.