Newsflash: Kansas City Chiefs acquire a defensive ‘Enforcer’ in preparation for the Buffalo Bills matchup

Breaking: Kansas City Chiefs sign defensive ‘Enforcer’ ahead of Buffalo Bills game

Nov 26, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid watches from the sidelines against the Las Vegas Raiders in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs added depth to their defense Tuesday before their Divisional Round matchup with the Buffalo Bills this weekend. The move will help the secondary’s defensive scheme against the run in the playoffs.

The Bills had an impressive rushing attack in their 31-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Bills ran for 179 yards against the Steelers. They will look to control the clock and run the ball against the Chiefs on Sunday.

The Kansas City Chiefs sign a safety

Aug 3, 2023; Canton, Ohio, USA; New York Jets safety Trey Dean (38) in the first half against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs lost safety Bryan Cook to injured reserve in December. The Chiefs will be without him in the postseason. The team added a player to the safety room Tuesday. According to Aaron Wilson with KPRC, the Chiefs signed undrafted rookie Trey Dean to the 53-man roster.

Dean spent the regular season on the New York Jets practice squad before the Chiefs poached him this week.

Mar 3, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive back Trey Dean (DB44) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Per Dean’s draft profile in Sports Illustrated, the former Florida standout plays his best football when used as a run defender:

Impressive player in run support with a great feel for bringing the thump to ball carriers, does a good job of getting the ball down at or near the line of scrimmage. Coverage skills are still raw, has trouble seeing route concepts develop.

A go for broke tackler who reaps benefits of big hits, will need to focus more on wrapping up ball carriers if he is going to see more snaps in 2021. An underdeveloped safety whose bet fit will be in the box at the next level where he can be an enforcer for a defense.

Dean will have a big task ahead of him against the Bills on Sunday if the Chiefs ask him to play after signing with the team a day before the week’s first practice.

Dec 10, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet against the Buffalo Bills during the game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports