Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Retired NFL Free Agent Coming Out Of Retirement To Play For Chiefs

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Dec 9, 2024 6:29 PM ET

An NFL veteran ended his short-lived retirement to potentially play for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Steven Nelson concluded a nine-year career when retiring earlier this year. The cornerback spent his first four seasons with the Chiefs, who made him the No. 98 overall pick in 2015.

Nelson could re-join his former team down the stretch. Kansas City officially signed him to its practice squad on Monday.

Ending his career on good terms, Nelson matched a personal best by collecting four interceptions with the Houston Texans last season. He added 63 tackles and a dozen pass breakups for the AFC South champions.

Pro Football Focus gave Nelson his highest player grade (72.4) since 2019. He allowed 38 catches on 64 targets in coverage for 613 yards and a touchdown while committing three penalties.

In 2018, Nelson defended 15 passes and registered a career-high 68 tackles in his final season with the Chiefs. He turned that success into a three-year, $25 million deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Nelson started 30 games over two seasons for the Steelers before joining the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021. He's racked up considerable postseason experience, appearing in the playoffs at all four stops.

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Steven Nelson #22 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs after intercepting a pass during the first half against the Buffalo Bills in the game at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

In January, Nelson picked off Joe Flacco for an 82-yard touchdown during Houston's 45-14 first-round victory over the Cleveland Browns. He tallied seven tackles in an ensuing loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

While he won't immediately suit up for Steve Spagnuolo's Kansas City defense, Nelson can eventually join the league's No. 21 passing defense.

The Chiefs have won 10 games by seven points or fewer, but they may instead be reeling from a Sunday Night Football loss to the Los Angeles Chargers if Justin Herbert connected with a wide-open Joshua Palmer for what could have been a massive touchdown.

Kansas City will play the Browns this Sunday before hosting Houston in its final regular season home game.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: