Super Bowl Champion’s Replacement Called Chiefs’ ‘X Factor’ Entering 2025 Season

The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with veteran safety Justin Reid this offseason. The seven-year veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency. In his stead, 2024 fourth-round draft pick Jaden Hicks.

ESPN’s Benjamin Solak tabbed Hicks as the Chiefs’ “X factor,” a list that could not include quarterbacks, rookies, or coaches.

At any rate, Hicks has big shoes to fill.

Jaden Hicks Tabbed as Chiefs’ ‘X Factor’ Entering 2025 Campaign

Chiefs Need Jaden Hicks to Step Up This Season

“There are a few key names for the three-time AFC champs as their roster consistently churns, including left guard Kingsley Suamataia and corner Kristian Fulton. But I’m focused on Hicks, a 2024 fourth-rounder tasked with stepping into Justin Reid’s vacated shoes,” Solak wrote on August 28.

“Reid was the quarterback of that defense — versatile enough to play anywhere on the field, tight enough in man coverage to solve opposing tight ends and always good for a timely tackle in space on third down. He was a consistent mistake-eraser, and for as much as I like Hicks — who looked quick and smart as a rookie — it’s unlikely he brings that level of steady, heads-up production. Expect to see Hicks tested in coverage early, but it might be Reid’s reliable tackling against the run that is most missed early in the season.”

Hicks, 23, is not stepping into the starting lineup completely green, though.

Hicks was the No. 133 overall pick of his draft class. He logged one start while playing in all 17 games for the Chiefs as a rookie. He finished the regular season with 29 total tackles, 5 pass deflections, and 3 interceptions, showcasing his playmaking capability.

Jaden Hicks Could Be Replaced as Chiefs’ ‘X Factor’

Hicks will be key to the Chiefs’ success. However, the true “X factor” may not be on the roster just yet. ESPN’s Dan Graziano advised, “Don’t be surprised” if the Chiefs trade for an RB this season.

“Isiah Pacheco is healthy and ready to resume the lead back role the team planned for him before his early-season broken right leg last year, but the room is thin behind him. Veteran Kareem Hunt just turned 30, and the Chiefs might use rookie Brashard Smith in a more nontraditional role that takes advantage of his receiving skills,” Graziano wrote on August 27.

“The Chiefs could use a third-down back with some pass protection ability and will be looking at trade and waiver possibilities as rosters get tinkered with ahead of Week 1.”

The Chiefs re-signed former first-round draft pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

He was cut by the Saints. His return could signal that the team is comfortable with where they are. Hunt has produced when called upon. They also know they will go as far as Patrick Mahomes takes them.

It could become clear early on that Mahomes and the passing game are not clicking. That is particularly true with Rashee Rice suspended for six games. If so, acquiring backfield help could make sense.

Then, the Chiefs could find themselves relying on other new contributors besides Hicks.