
#21 S · Kansas City Chiefs
Height
6'1"
Weight
215 lbs
Age
23
College
Washington State
Draft
2024, Rd 4, #133
Experience
2 yrs
S Rank
#128 / 197
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | INT | PD | Tkl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 34 | 3 | 9 | 71 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 17 | 0 | 4 | 42 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 17 | 3 | 5 | 29 |
Length
4 years
Total Value
$4.5M
Guaranteed
$529K
AAV
$1.1M/yr
Jaden Hicks' four-year, $4.5M extension with Kansas City represents solid value for a developing safety, earning a B+ CVI that reflects smart roster building by the Chiefs. At just $1.1M annually, the Chiefs are securing a rotational player at well below market rate for starting safeties, creating meaningful salary cap flexibility while betting on upside. The minimal guaranteed money ($500K) provides Kansas City with optionality — they can develop Hicks without major financial commitment if he doesn't progress as expected. For a Super Bowl contender operating with limited cap space, locking in depth pieces at this price point is essential roster management, especially at a position where the Chiefs have invested heavily in recent years. This deal gives Kansas City a cost-controlled asset who can contribute on special teams and defensive packages while potentially growing into a larger role, making it a textbook example of how championship teams maximize value in the middle tier of their roster.
Jaden Hicks grades at a D as a young Chiefs safety who has been a consistent presence in Kansas City's secondary since entering the league. His 71 tackles, three interceptions, and nine passes defended across 34 games over two full 17-game seasons show a player who is contributing meaningfully on defense from day one. The three interceptions are an encouraging number for a young safety, demonstrating ball-hawking ability that can develop further with experience. Playing all 34 possible games in his first two NFL seasons shows the durability and reliability that the Chiefs' championship culture demands. Hicks is a building-block player in Kansas City's secondary whose D grade should climb as he continues to develop alongside one of the most talented rosters in the league.
No transactions found for this player.
Auto-moderated fan forum with 5-minute speaker turns
Loading discussion...
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
D-
2025
(50% weight)
D
2024
(30% weight)