Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs

As the Kansas City Chiefs look to refine their roster ahead of the upcoming season, the team has turned its attention to evaluating defensive back Nazeeh Johnson—a young player with untapped potential and a track record of special teams success. The evaluation, which began during a recent tryout and extended into voluntary practice sessions, comes as the Chiefs seek to bolster depth in their secondary and strengthen a special teams unit that showed inconsistencies last season. For Johnson, who spent the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers in a reserve role, the opportunity to be evaluated by a championship-caliber team like the Chiefs represents a chance to prove he can contribute to a winning program. Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs isn’t just a routine tryout; it’s a strategic look at a player who could fill key roles for the Chiefs as they chase another Super Bowl title.

Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs builds on a professional career that has been defined by versatility and a willingness to contribute wherever needed. Undrafted out of Marshall University in 2022, Johnson signed with the Steelers and quickly carved out a spot on the team’s special teams unit—leading the Steelers in special teams tackles (15) during his rookie season. He also saw limited action on defense, primarily as a nickel cornerback and safety, where he showcased his speed (4.45 40-yard dash) and ball-hawking ability (2 interceptions in preseason games). At Marshall, Johnson was a standout safety, recording 185 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 12 pass breakups over four seasons, and he earned All-Conference USA honors as a senior. “Nazeeh has always been a player who makes the most of his opportunities,” said his college defensive coordinator Lance Guidry. “He’s smart, he’s physical, and he doesn’t shy away from big moments—traits that translate well to the NFL.” It’s those traits that caught the Chiefs’ eye, as they look for players who can excel in both defensive and special teams roles. Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs because his career so far has shown he has the tools to contribute to a team with high expectations.

Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs has focused heavily on his performance in both defensive drills and special teams work during practice sessions. Early in the evaluation process, Johnson participated in one-on-one coverage drills against Chiefs wide receivers, where he held his own against slot receivers like Kadarius Toney—using his quickness to stay step-for-step and his physicality to disrupt routes. In team defensive drills, he rotated between safety and nickel corner, showing he could adapt to different alignments and make quick reads on play calls. On special teams, Johnson shined in kick coverage drills, consistently being the first player downfield to make tackles and showing awareness in blocking schemes for punt returns. “We’re evaluating every aspect of his game—defensive IQ, tackling, coverage skills, and special teams instincts,” said Chiefs special teams coordinator Dave Toub. “So far, he’s checked a lot of boxes. He’s a hustle player, and that’s exactly what we need on special teams and in our secondary.” Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions has also impressed the Chiefs’ coaching staff, who value flexibility in their defensive backfield. Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs because his on-field performance during drills has demonstrated he can handle the demands of the Chiefs’ system.

Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs addresses two key needs for the team: depth in the secondary and talent on special teams. The Chiefs’ secondary, while talented (led by L’Jarius Sneed and Justin Reid), has limited experienced depth behind the starters—especially at nickel cornerback, where injuries last season forced rookies into key roles. Johnson’s experience at both safety and nickel corner makes him a potential backup for multiple positions. On special teams, the Chiefs are looking to improve their kick coverage and punt return units, which ranked 18th and 22nd in the NFL last season, respectively. Johnson’s proven track record as a special teams tackler aligns perfectly with that need. “Depth and special teams are two areas we’re always looking to strengthen,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “Nazeeh has experience in both, and that’s why we’re taking a close look at him.” The Kansas City Chiefs have long prioritized players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game, and Johnson’s evaluation is a reflection of that philosophy. Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs because he has the potential to fill two critical gaps in the team’s roster.

Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs has also included input from current Chiefs players, who have had a chance to work with Johnson during practices. Safety Justin Reid, who has mentored young defensive backs in the past, noted Johnson’s willingness to learn and ask questions. “Nazeeh comes in every day ready to work, and he’s not afraid to ask for feedback,” Reid said. “He wants to get better, and that’s the kind of attitude you want in a teammate. He’s fit right in with the group, even during these short practice sessions.” Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who faced Johnson in coverage drills, praised his competitiveness: “He’s a tough cover—quick, physical, and he doesn’t give up on plays. That’s the kind of defender you want on your team, not against you.” The Kansas City Chiefs’ locker room prides itself on a culture of accountability and teamwork, and Johnson’s ability to integrate quickly has made a positive impression during his evaluation. Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs because his attitude and work ethic have matched his on-field skills, making him a potential fit for the team’s culture.

Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs is a move that could pay off for both the player and the team as the season approaches. For the Chiefs, the evaluation is a low-risk way to explore a player who could provide valuable depth and special teams production—key components of a championship roster. For Johnson, it’s a chance to join a winning organization and showcase his skills on a bigger stage, potentially earning a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad. As the evaluation process continues, all signs point to Johnson making a strong case for himself, with coaches noting his progress and adaptability. “We’re still evaluating, but Nazeeh has given us a lot to think about,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “He’s the kind of player who can make an impact in small ways that add up over a season.” The Kansas City Chiefs have a history of finding under-the-radar talent that fits their system, and Johnson could be the latest example. Nazeeh Johnson Evaluated by the Kansas City Chiefs because it’s a mutually beneficial opportunity—one that could help the Chiefs strengthen their roster and Johnson take the next step in his NFL career.