Chiefs S Jaden Hicks discusses the impact Justin Reid had on him as a rookie that could help him become a breakout star in 2025

May be an image of ‎1 person, playing football and ‎text that says '‎OF SYSTEM THE UNIVERSITYOR KANSAS H SYSTEM ਨ T THEU UN KANS/ に 21 ل THE TH KANS GEHA GEHA لر‎'‎‎
Kansas City Chiefs News

The Chiefs displayed a big vote of confidence in second year safety Jaden Hicks when they let veteran Justin Reid walk during free agency.

Had Hicks not shown promise as a rookie in 2024, Kansas City may have given Reid a big contract extension to stick around. Instead, Reid is now a member of the New Orleans Saints, and Hicks will slide into Reid’s former role as a starter for the Chiefs.

However, Reid’s impact on Kansas City’s defense, and Hicks in particular, will have a lasting impact. While speaking to the media after an OTA practice on Thursday, Hicks credited Reid for his mentorship and the leadership he displayed.

Enough is enough, the Vikings need to end this hold in and pay the man!Enough is enough, the Vikings need to end this hold in and pay the man!

“I think I’m a lot more comfortable this year,” Hicks said. “There’s obviously still room to grow, still room to learn, but I think J (Justin) Reid was a great help. He helped me get everything under myself, and just keep stacking the days, keep getting better each day. And I think that’s the most important thing for this year.

“Obviously I’m kind of playing the role that he was playing this year,” Hicks continued. “He really did a great job taking me under his wing. Being savvy, knowing how to disguise his defense a lot, and that’s a big part of our scheme. He did a really good job with that. And, just setting a good example for what I should look up to.”

Hicks led all Chiefs defenders in interceptions last season with three. He also recorded 29 total tackles and five passes defensed. Those are pretty good numbers considering he only started one game and didn’t play much during the first half of the season. Hicks’ knack for creating turnovers is something Kansas City’s defense sorely needs.

As Hicks enters his second NFL season, he’ll have veterans Bryan Cook, Mike Edwards, and Deon Bush to lean on. The Chiefs have a pretty veteran secondary overall, so Hicks is still one of the youngest players in the group. Hopefully he’s able to start every game in 2025 and establish himself as one of the best playmaking safeties in the league.