Kansas City, MO – May 2, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs reshaped their secondary Thursday, releasing cornerback Joshua Williams to make room for rookie draft pick Nohl Williams, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The move, prioritizing youth after a 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, signals Kansas City’s push to bolster their defensive backfield with fresh talent.
Joshua Williams, 25, faltered in 2024, posting a PFF grade of 70.2 with only 12 tackles and one pass defensed across 10 games. Outshined by Trent McDuffie and Kristian Fulton, his limited role as a depth corner made him expendable. Nohl Williams, a third-round pick from California, dazzled with seven interceptions and 16 passes defensed in 2024, earning First-Team All-American honors. “Nohl’s a ball hawk,” coach Andy Reid told reporters, eyeing the rookie’s versatility as a nickel or free safety hybrid.
Chiefs receive: Roster space for rookie CB Nohl Williams (pick 85).
Williams’ role: Released, saving $1.4 million in cap space with a $0.1 million dead cap hit.
With $12.7 million in cap space, Kansas City’s decision to cut Joshua Williams, alongside Mike Danna and Nikko Remigio, aligns with a defensive overhaul. The Chiefs, who drafted Simmons, Norman-Lott, Gillotte, Nohl Williams, Royals, Bassa, and Smith, aim to fortify a secondary that allowed 4,012 passing yards in 2024. Nohl Williams’ playmaking edges out Joshua’s lackluster contributions, especially with Justin Reid’s departure.
“Nohl’s our future,” GM Brett Veach said. With three remaining picks, including No. 226, Kansas City targets receiver depth to replace DeAndre Hopkins. Joshua Williams’ exit, though quiet, fuels excitement for Nohl’s potential. As Chiefs Kingdom hungers for a 2025 Super Bowl rebound, this cut bets on a rookie dynamo to spark Mahomes’ championship quest.
