Josh Thompson

Career StatsC-

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		6	—	—	4
2025		3	0	0	9
2024		2	—	—	—
2023		1

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Josh Thompson's Contract Value Index lands at C+, putting the deal in a defined slice of comparable signings. At $1.04M AAV over three years, Thompson is essentially a depth-piece signing at replacement-level cost—the kind of undrafted free agent deal that teams cycle through during offseason roster construction. The math here is straightforward: he produced 9 tackles across 3 games in the 2025 season, a limited sample that reflects his role as a rotational reserve rather than a featured contributor, and the contract appropriately reflects that modest on-field return. For a fourth-year player at 27, the three-year commitment carries moderate longevity risk; he is not a young prospect with developmental upside, so the team is paying for current depth, not future breakout potential. Against the safety market, $1.04M puts Thompson at the lower tier—well below starter rates and consistent with a fringe-roster competitor fighting for snaps. The Chiefs' recent defensive secondary activity, including the signings of L'Jarius Sneed and others, signals organizational investment in that room that could easily displace Thompson further down the depth chart, which underscores the reality: this is fair-value pricing for an undrafted reserve in a rotation role. The C+ verdict reflects honest middle ground—not a bargain (production is limited, team commitment is cautious), but not an overpay either, simply a market-rate depth deal for a player stuck between competitive depth and organizational background noise.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Josh's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Josh Thompson is a second-year safety for the Kansas City Chiefs still searching for consistent defensive impact in limited opportunities. The 27-year-old has appeared in just six career games, leaving little tape to evaluate his NFL viability. His current performance grade of C- reflects an unproven depth piece who has yet to establish himself as a reliable contributor in Patrick Mahomes' secondary. Thompson's most glaring weakness is his tackle production, averaging 0.67 per game against an NFL benchmark of 3.41 for safeties—a significant gap that suggests minimal field time or positioning struggles. His trajectory has dipped noticeably, declining from a C- in 2024 to a D+ this season, which raises questions about whether he's losing ground in competition for snaps. The Chiefs' loaded defensive roster means Thompson faces an uphill climb simply to earn consistent playing time in meaningful situations. On the positive side, Thompson remains a young prospect with developmental upside if given runway in a stable system. His compact experience prevents hasty conclusions; more reps could reveal technical competency or coverage instincts not yet visible in sparse action. The forward outlook hinges on whether Kansas City commits to developing him as a reserve or moves toward roster turnover at the position. Thompson's window for proving himself is narrowing, but a strong preseason or injuries ahead could accelerate his path to regular snaps next season.

How Josh Compares at the Position

Josh Thompson ranks 117th of 195 graded safeties by performance. That slots Josh between Kahlef Hailassie (C-) just ahead and Omar Brown (C-) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Kansas City adds developmental depth at guard with minimal immediate impact expected. Multiple headlines highlight Thompson's underrated LSU pedigree as an undrafted prospect signing. Joining a Super Bowl contender suggests Kansas City sees upside worth developing long-term. Fans view this as typical UDFA camp body move rather than roster game-changer. Thompson will compete for practice squad or reserve roster spots during training camp.