The Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 offseason has signaled just how much confidence the franchise has in second-year corner Nohl Williams based on a clear elevation. Williams had a stellar rookie season, offering a PFF rating of 74.5, which ranked 14th out of 114 qualifiers, speaking to the high level with which the third-round selection played. Williams had four pass breakups in 273 coverage snaps played, getting a total of 458 defensive snaps in the 2025 season.
This number is obviously poised to shoot up with Williams all of a sudden being one of the most experienced corners Kansas City has rostered. Now, Williams is going to be looked to as a potential help to the team's rookie and free agency additions as they attempt to adjust to the defense of Steve Spagnuolo.
Very quietly, Williams has found an incredible spot with a high level of job security and a chance to be a huge addition to the starting lineup. Attention has understandably been focused on first-round pick Mansoor Delane and the additions made in free agency. All while Williams has been promoted into a starting role and is coming off a stellar season despite facing an uphill battle to work his way into the rotation.
Last season's depth chart was far more loaded, with Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie offering KC a great deal of stability. With both veterans now in new landing spots, Williams is a starter and will have a chance to truly thrive within Spagnuolo's system.
Chiefs offseason quietly setting up potential breakout season for Nohl Williams
Williams had 29 tackles a season ago and held opposing quarterbacks to a rating of 83.4 when targeting the rookie. This is a solid number and speaks to a young player with an incredibly high ceiling. Kansas City's offseason speaks to the belief that the franchise is bought in on the breakout potential of the defensive back. Delane was by far the biggest offseason addition at corner, with the Chiefs opting to make understated moves.
Kansas City's front office looked to add depth over proven starters, showing clear expectations of Williams. If there was any belief that last year's performance was an outlier and not a sign of things to come, there would be a more definitive move made at the position.
As things currently stand, it appears that Williams and Delane will be locked into starting roles, with a competition being held for the final starting position. All of this adds up to the unavoidable fact that the entire KC offseason points to Williams getting ready to enter a breakout 2026 season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google