We’re at the point in the offseason where teams are trading players before the cut deadline. Wednesday was the start of it, as numerous teams moved on from players they intended to release.
Even the Kansas City Chiefs, who moved former second-round pick Skyy Moore to the 49ers, took part in the action. With more trades on the way, the Chiefs should continue making moves by trying to trade Joshua Williams before the cut deadline.
Chiefs Should Dangle Joshua Williams in Trade Talks
The Chiefs selected Joshua Williams in the fourth round of the 2022 draft. Williams has served as a depth piece to the secondary, playing no more than 38% of the team’s defensive snaps. In Williams’ three years with the Chiefs, he combined for 91 total tackles, 18 pass deflections, and one interception in 50 games.
Williams hasn’t been bad, but he hasn’t excelled either, allowing a 91.3 passer rating when targeted and a 51.6% completion percentage in his career. In 2024, PFF gave him a 64.3 overall grade and a 68.3 coverage grade, which ranks 57th among 222 qualifying cornerbacks.
During the offseason, the Chiefs bolstered their cornerback room by signing Kristian Fulton and drafting Nohl Williams in the third round. Both players are projected to receive the majority of the snaps alongside Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.
1- His perfectly timed stab of a Drew Lock throw pushed the margin to 23-7 late in the 2nd Q. His initial steps didn't lose Joshua Williams, but they did create space towards the sideline to allow Bobo to elevate and beat the veteran CB for a 12-yard TD.#Seahawks pic.twitter.com/PcK9LxvRdE
— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) August 18, 2025
With these additions, Williams will have to compete with Nazeeh Johnson, UDFA Melvin Smith Jr., and Azizi Hearn for a rotational role. So far, things aren’t looking good for Williams, as he’s been playing deep into the preseason games. Last week, Williams played 35 snaps against the Seahawks.
Although there are multiple Chiefs’ corners banged up, it’s still not a good sign that they're playing Williams this much. With Williams on the last year of his contract, the Chiefs should dangle Williams in trade talks.
This would be beneficial for both sides as Williams can get a fresh start and more playing time, while the Chiefs could either gain draft picks or find a temporary replacement for Felix Anudike-Uzomah.