Chiefs sign former Seahawks safety Tedric Thompson

The Chiefs have added to their secondary by signing Tedric Thompson

It’s not the sexiest of moves, but the Kansas City Chiefs added even more depth to their secondary in the form of former Seattle Seahawks safety Tedric Thompson. The 25-year-old was a former fourth-round pick by Seattle in 2017, and has accumulated three interceptions over the past two seasons, both of which were relatively injury-plagued.

Thompson started 16 games with Seattle over three seasons, but was only available for six contests in 2019. Considering the rate at which players are opting out of the 2020 season, it makes sense for the Chiefs to add as many potential impact players as they can.

What does Tedric Thompson add to the Chiefs secondary?

Thompson opened the 2019 season as the Seahawks starting safety after they got rid of Earl Thomas, who has since moved on to the Baltimore Ravens. He landed on injured reserve with a torn labrum towards the middle of the year, however, limiting his impact in the Seattle secondary.

He was initially given permission to seek a trade this offseason, but the Hawks couldn’t find a taker. Eventually, they released him with a failed physical designation, thus opening up a need that was eventually filled by the Jamal Adams trade.

Thompson will slide in behind Tyrann Mathieu in the Chiefs secondary, and will only be called upon if absolutely necessary. The Chiefs’ defense, which rose all the way to seventh in the NFL last season, is expected to continue to improve in 2020 after bringing back Chris Jones on a four-year, $80 million extension.