Grading Chiefs' second day of NFL legal tampering: Latest roster move can improve Kansas City's defense in 2025

The Kansas City Chiefs weren't quite as busy on Day 2 of legal tampering as they were on Day 1, but that didn't stop them from making perhaps their best move yet. 

The Chiefs had already added a pair of players on the offensive side of the ball with LT Jaylon Moore and RB Elijah Mitchell, but they addressed an underrated need on the defensive side. How do we grade Kansas City's latest additions and re-signings from Tuesday?

Here are our initial grades and thoughts on each move . . .

Chiefs signing CB Kristian Fulton earns an A+ grade

Don't be surprised if this is the best and most impactful free agent move of the Chiefs' 2025 NFL offseason (no offense intended to Jaylon Moore and what his signing represents). The Fulton addition weakens an AFC West rival, but this move also impacts the entire K.C. defense. Fulton immediately improves the defense's scheme flexibility, allowing them to more confidently play zone coverages, which he excelled in with the Chargers in 2024. He not only provides Kansas City with depth at outside cornerback, but should he earn a starting role (and he should), his presence will likely bump Trent McDuffie from perimeter corner to playing more frequently in the slot as he did during his rookie and sophomore seasons with the Chiefs. The multi-year nature of the deal is forward-thinking from Brett Veach, who will have to handle three potential losses to the cornerback room in 2026 (McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, and Joshua Williams). 

Chiefs re-signing of TE Robert Tonyan earns a B grade

This move isn't exactly a needle-mover for Kansas City. Tonyan spent some time on the Chiefs' practice squad during the 2024 NFL season. With minimal contract commitment, this is a roster-depth move for Kansas City. Should he impress during the offseason, there's potential for it to be more than that. At the same time, there's no guarantee that he won't get bumped from the 90-man roster by a draft pick or UDFA signing.