Dicaprio Bootle Given PS Protection for the Kansas City Chiefs

In the NFL’s practice squad ecosystem, “protection” is a critical tool that teams use to safeguard valuable depth players from being poached by other franchises—and for the Kansas City Chiefs, that tool is now being deployed with Dicaprio Bootle Given PS Protection for the Kansas City Chiefs. Bootle, a 26-year-old cornerback who has spent three seasons in the Chiefs’ organization (split between the active roster and practice squad), was named one of the Chiefs’ four weekly practice squad protections ahead of Week 17. This designation means no other NFL team can sign Bootle to their active roster this week—a move that reflects the Chiefs’ trust in his ability, their need for secondary depth, and their desire to keep a familiar playmaker in their defensive ecosystem as they push for an AFC West title. For Bootle, the protection isn’t just a roster formality; it’s a validation of his consistency, work ethic, and fit in the Chiefs’ defensive scheme—a sign that the team views him as a critical backup if injuries strike their cornerback group.

Dicaprio Bootle Given PS Protection for the Kansas City Chiefs is rooted in Bootle’s proven track record of contributing when called upon—both on defense and special teams. An undrafted free agent out of Nebraska in 2021, Bootle first joined the Chiefs as a rookie and quickly earned a reputation for his physicality in coverage and willingness to play special teams. Over the past three seasons, he has appeared in 28 games for the Chiefs, recording 32 tackles, three passes defended, and one forced fumble. Most notably, he stepped in as a rotational cornerback during the 2022 playoffs when L’Jarius Sneed was sidelined with an injury, helping the Chiefs advance to the AFC Championship Game. This season, Bootle has spent most of his time on the practice squad, but he was elevated to the active roster twice—once in Week 10 against the Dolphins (where he played 12 special teams snaps) and once in Week 14 against the Bills (where he recorded two tackles on defense). “Dicaprio is the kind of player you want in your building,” said Chiefs cornerbacks coach Dave Merritt. “He’s reliable, he’s tough, and he knows our defense inside out. When we need him to step up, he’s always ready. Protecting him makes sense for us right now.” Bootle himself acknowledged the significance of the move: “It feels good to know the team has my back. I’ve worked hard to learn this system and help wherever I can, so this protection means a lot. I’m just here to be ready whenever they call my name.”

A key reason Dicaprio Bootle Given PS Protection for the Kansas City Chiefs is so strategic is the Chiefs’ current need for cornerback depth—especially with the playoffs approaching. The Chiefs’ secondary has stayed relatively healthy this season, but injuries are always a risk this late in the year, and the team can’t afford to be shorthanded at cornerback. Starter Trent McDuffie has dealt with minor hamstring tightness in recent weeks, and backup Joshua Williams missed one practice with a shoulder tweak. Bootle, who can play both outside cornerback and nickel (slot) corner, provides versatility that few other practice squad players can match. He’s familiar with Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme—including the Chiefs’ aggressive press coverage and blitz packages—and he has chemistry with safeties Justin Reid and Bryan Cook. “Depth in the secondary is make-or-break in the playoffs,” said Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. “You never know when you’ll need a guy to step in and cover a team’s top receiver, and Dicaprio has shown he can do that. Protecting him ensures we have that option if we need it.” For the Chiefs, this protection isn’t just about preventing other teams from signing Bootle—it’s about ensuring they have a ready-made backup who can contribute immediately, without the learning curve that comes with a new player. This is especially critical against opponents like the Bengals and Bills, who feature dynamic passing attacks led by Joe Burrow and Josh Allen.

Dicaprio Bootle Given PS Protection for the Kansas City Chiefs also highlights the team’s broader strategy of retaining “system fits”—players who understand their schemes and culture—over chasing unfamiliar talent. The Chiefs have long prioritized continuity in their roster, especially on defense, where communication and familiarity with coverages are essential. Bootle embodies this philosophy: he knows Spagnuolo’s complex defensive calls, he understands how to work with the Chiefs’ safeties to disguise coverages, and he’s comfortable playing special teams (a role that often falls to practice squad elevations). By protecting him, the Chiefs avoid the risk of losing a player who would require minimal preparation if elevated to the active roster. “We build our practice squad around guys who fit our system,” said Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. “Dicaprio isn’t just a cornerback—he’s a Chiefs cornerback. He knows how we play, how we communicate, and what we expect from our defensive backs. Losing him to another team would mean starting over with someone new, and that’s a risk we don’t want to take this late in the season.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this focus on system fits is a competitive advantage. In high-pressure playoff games, where every play matters, having players who can execute without hesitation—because they know the scheme—can be the difference between a win and a loss. Bootle’s protection ensures the Chiefs keep that advantage intact.

Another important angle of Dicaprio Bootle Given PS Protection for the Kansas City Chiefs is the impact it has on team morale—especially among the practice squad. For players on the practice squad, weekly protection is a clear sign that the team values their contributions and sees them as part of the long-term plan. It’s a motivator for Bootle to keep working hard, and it sends a message to other practice squad players that consistency and fit will be rewarded. “When you see a guy like Dicap get protected, it makes you want to keep grinding,” said Chiefs practice squad linebacker Jack Cochrane. “It shows that the coaches are paying attention, and that your work isn’t going unnoticed.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, maintaining high morale on the practice squad is critical. Practice squad players are responsible for mimicking opposing teams’ schemes in weekly drills—helping the active roster prepare—and their effort directly impacts the team’s game-day performance. By protecting Bootle, the Chiefs reinforce that every role, even on the practice squad, is important to their success. “Our practice squad is part of our team—plain and simple,” said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. “We need those guys to be ready, focused, and motivated, and protection is one way we show them we appreciate that. Dicap has earned this, and it’s good for everyone in the building to see that hard work pays off.”

Looking ahead, Dicaprio Bootle Given PS Protection for the Kansas City Chiefs is a small but strategic move that positions the team for success in the final weeks of the regular season and the playoffs. If the Chiefs win their remaining games and secure the AFC West title, Bootle could be elevated to the active roster for the playoffs—providing additional depth against teams with high-powered passing attacks. Even if he stays on the practice squad, his protection ensures the Chiefs don’t lose a valuable backup to a division rival or playoff contender. For Bootle, the focus remains on staying ready: “I’m not going to let this protection make me complacent. I’m going to keep working, keep learning, and be ready whenever the Chiefs need me—whether that’s this week, next week, or in the playoffs.” For the Kansas City Chiefs, this move is a reminder that championship teams are built not just with superstars, but with reliable depth players who can step up when called upon. Dicaprio Bootle is exactly that kind of player—and by protecting him, the Chiefs are ensuring they have all the pieces they need to make another deep playoff run.