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HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 11: Alohi Gilman #32 and Derwin James Jr. #3 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrate in the second quarter against the Houston Texans during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs at NRG Stadium on January 11, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

One of the more underrated acquisitions the Kansas City Chiefs made during the 2026 offseason was safety Alohi Gilman.

They had a big need to fill at the position when Bryan Cook left for the Cincinnati Bengals during free agency. Shortly after, Kansas City signed Gilman to a three-year, $24.75 million contract, with $15M guaranteed.

He is expected to be the Chiefs’ top starting safety in 2026, and the leader of their very young secondary. Gilman is a six-year veteran who began his career with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. He was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in October of last season.

Kansas City Chiefs S Alohi Gilman Credits Derwin James for Preparing Him to Be a Leader

Phase II of the Chiefs’ offseason program is underway, with participation still being voluntary. Gilman has been taking part, and he made time to speak to the media on Thursday. Among the questions he was asked is what he took from Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro safety Derwin James that has prepared him to lead Kansas City’s defense.

“I had some really good vets as well before Derwin. Rayshawn Jenkins, Jahleel Addae — who was a nine-year vet. You have to learn the personalities of the people around you. DJ’s (Derwin James) approach, he’s a very rah-rah guy. He’s very out there, a lot of energy. I was kind of the yin to his yang. I was the calm piece who was able to pull guys together and understand what we got to do. I think the biggest thing you have to do when you’re a guy with experience and have young guys who look up to you, is you got to be consistent. You got to come to work every day with the same mindset. You got to be the same person.”

Gilman went on to say the best thing he can do is be himself and work hard.

“I’m not here to be Derwin James,” Gilman continued. “I’m not here to be any of the other guys who have been here in the past, all respect to them, they’ve been great players. But, I’m here to be me, and build relationships authentically, and be genuine. That’s what will get guys to believe in you and trust you when it’s time to make that play on the field. I have great respect and a great relationship with Derwin. He’s a great player, but I’m here to just build and be the best version of myself. I think by doing that it helps the group as a whole.”

Alohi Gilman Could Be Next in Long Line of Safeties to Excel Under DC Steve Spagnuolo

One constant of Spagnuolo’s defenses over the years has been a productive, veteran leader at safety. Antrel Rolle was a Pro Bowler under Spagnuolo during his time with the New York Giants. When Spagnuolo came to the Chiefs in 2019, they also signed Tyrann Mathieu, who anchored the secondary from 2019-2021.

Mathieu helped Kansas City win Super Bowl LIV, and was named an All-Pro in 2019 and 2020. When Mathieu left, the Chiefs brought in Justin Reid — who started 59 games (including the postseason) for them from 2022-2024. Reid won Super Bowls LVII and LVIII during his tenure in Kansas City.

Cook played alongside Reid during that span, then took over as the leader in 2025 when Reid left. That season Cook set career highs in tackles and passes defensed, earning himself a three-year, $40.25 million contract with the Bengals. Gilman will look to replicate the success of those three, but in his own style. In 13 games with Baltimore last season, Gilman recorded 68 tackles, six passes defended, and one forced fumble.