One of the best stories of the first four weeks of the Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 season has been the emergence of rookie cornerback Nohl Williams. It isn't just a simple hot streak or one great game, but four weeks that have Williams ranked as the No. 1 CB when it comes to coverage (93.7) and overall (92.3) grades among 164 players.
As much as Chiefs fans would love to see more of Williams, a returning veteran could have something to say about that. Chiefs' beat writer Pete Sweeney is reporting that fellow CB Kristian Fulton returned to practice on Thursday. Considering how Fulton was given a two-year $20 million deal with the expectation being he would serve as the third corner, he could cut into Williams' playing time when healthy.
Fulton's Return Puts Chiefs Standout Rookie Nohl Williams on Notice
It's difficult to see a position for Fulton in the lineup with zero chance that either Trent McDuffie or Jaylen Watson will be pulled from the starting lineup. This leaves the final spot down to either Williams or Fulton. Although playing the first-year ballhawk based on his early performance makes sense, Fulton's price tag could force head coach Andy Reid's hand in the other direction.
Fulton's return also takes away any chance that the first-year starter has room to stumble. Williams will now be held to the early standard, his elite play set with any setbacks being viewed as an opening for the higher-paid investment. While it is in many ways "unfair," it is the reality of a league that is focused on winning and best utilizing its money.
With that said, it must be pointed out that Williams has already faced DeAndre Hopkins, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Malik Nabers in the early going. If this talented group wasn't able to beat the rookie, it is hard to believe there is going to be enough of a struggle for Fulton to work his way back into the lineup. Still, Reid might feel he owes it to the vet to try.
Having too much of a good thing gives the Chiefs a great problem to have (minus the wasted cap space). Fulton's experience being ready to step in due to injuries or performance concerns is ideal, and Williams' continued ascension will further instill confidence in the secondary. Kansas City's defense has been consistent through the first weeks of the season, and there is zero reason to believe this is going to change anytime soon, especially if the CB duo successfully handles their assignments.
As great as Williams has been, Fulton's return puts the former on notice. The rookie CB's performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday Night Football will say a lot about his outlook in the secondary, regardless of whether Fulton suits up or not.