Gilman’s 2025 season was notable for its versatility, split between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers. He piled up 90 tackles, nine pass breakups, one forced fumble and a touchdown, a performance that convinced Kansas City to invest in him as a key defensive piece.
Veach emphasized that Gilman fits the mold of a quarterbacking safety who can see the field and organize the defense, a trait the Chiefs valued in Mathieu and Reid during their dynastic run. The front office views Gilman as a potential on-field catalyst in the secondary.
In Kansas City, Gilman is expected to operate in a deeper-lying role at the back of the defense, leveraging his experience and ball skills. His recent uptick in snaps demonstrates the kind of confidence the Chiefs have in his ability to grow into a larger responsibility.
With most free-agent work behind them, the Chiefs are shifting their focus to the 2026 NFL Draft, armed with two first-round picks. How Veach and the personnel staff deploy those selections will be closely watched as they look to complement Gilman and the rest of a defense aimed at supporting a healthy Patrick Mahomes.
Overall, Gilman provides the Chiefs with a versatile, cerebral option in the secondary who could become a cornerstone in their back end. His performance in the coming season, combined with the team’s draft decisions, will help determine how quickly Kansas City can return to its championship trajectory.
