Chiefs Add Former Patriots CB to Secondary

One of the New England Patriots' defensive backs last summer now joins the defending AFC Champions.

August 8, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Azizi Hearn (42) warms up before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images | Eric Canha-Imagn Images

FOXBORO, MA. — After hosting a workout for multiple free agents yesterday, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to have a former New England Patriots defender sign the dotted line.

Azizi Hearn, a cornerback who spent almost two years with the Patriots on both their practice squad and training camp active roster, signed a free agent contract to join the Chiefs ahead of their preseason opener next week, his agency announced Friday.

New Ink: ✍🏽 DB Azizi Hearn @realazizihearn has officially signed with the @Chiefs #NFL #Chiefs #ChiefsKingdom #ISAFamily

Agent: @AgentBardia pic.twitter.com/weu9kty1Bd
— ISA Sports & Entertainment (@isa_management) August 1, 2025

Hearn originally signed with New England early in the 2023 season, but wasn't activated for a regular season game. The next summer, he struggled in the team's three preseason games and was released as part of the league's cut down day. Since then, Hearn has had stops with the Carolina Panthers and the New York Giants.

As part of Kansas City's free agent workouts, the team also signed cornerback Ajani Carter and wideout Keyshawn Smith. Among those working out was former Patriots pass catcher Kawaan Baker, who was teammates with Hearn in New England last summer.

In six seasons of college football, Hearn played for Arizona, Wyoming and UCLA -- using his final season as a Bruin to earn an NFL contract with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent. The 26-year-old cornerback also was added to a number of CFL team's negotiation lists, which give teams the ability to sign Hearn if they choose to.

Hearn isn't the first member of the Patriots to now be competing for a roster spot for head coach Andy Reid and the Chiefs. He joins quarterback Bailey Zappe (2022-2024), wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster (2023-2024), wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (2022-2024) and defensive tackle Mike Pennel (2019) on the defending AFC champions.

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