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Xavier Nwankpa deserves a bigger role in the Chiefs’ defense after the bye

Kansas City elected to keep the young, undrafted free agent in their safety room, and it feels like time to see what he could provide to the team.

Published: Monday, 12 October 2026 at 2:47 PM
Xavier Nwankpa deserves a bigger role in the Chiefs’ defense after the bye
Key Things to Know
  • Writer Matthew Chabot argues that the Chiefs should give safety Xavier Nwankpa a bigger defensive role.
  • The Kansas City Chiefs entered their bye week with an undefeated 4-0 record.
  • Nwankpa joined Kansas City as an undrafted free agent after starting for three seasons at Iowa.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Writer Matthew Chabot argues that the Kansas City Chiefs should give safety Xavier Nwankpa an expanded defensive role following their bye week. Despite a 4-0 start to the season, Chabot contends that Kansas City's safety group has been among its weakest units, creating an opportunity for the undrafted rookie to earn more playing time.

Nwankpa, a former Iowa Hawkeye who joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent, has primarily contributed on special teams aside from a game-winning interception against the Raiders. Chabot highlights Nwankpa's box tackling and zone coverage skills as potential solutions for defensive coordinator adjustments.

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