Chiefs sign third-round pick Nohl Williams; down to single unsigned draft pick

Per the NFL official transactions report, the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to terms with cornerback Nohl Williams on Tuesday. The Chiefs traded up to the 85th selection in last month’s NFL Draft to select the former California defender.

With Williams inked to his rookie contract, the Chiefs have now signed six of their seven draft picks.

Linebacker Jeff Bassa and running back Brashard Smith — the team’s fifth and sixth-round selections — were inked at the start of rookie minicamp. Tackle Josh Simmons, the team’s first round pick out of Ohio State, officially signed shortly after.

Kansas City’s other third round selection, former Louisville defensive end Ashton Gillotte and fourth round wide receiver Jalen Royals signed their contracts on May 13.

Signing draft picks was once a potentially messy process. Slotted values for the entire draft — and the precedent that all first-round selections since 2022 have received fully guaranteed contracts — have largely streamlined rookie contracts. One exception to the rule, however, has been the round of the Chiefs’ lone unsigned rookie — former Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, the team’s second round pick.

Chiefs sign third-round pick Nohl Williams; down to single unsigned draft pick

The league’s 32 teams have been inconsistent in the amount of money guaranteed to second-round selections. This has at times led to standoffs between players, agents and teams, driven by concern of other players at a given position receiving more favorable contract terms.

The trouble signing second-rounders is set to greatly compound this year. The first two picks of the second round — former UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger and Iowa State wideout Jayden Higgons — received fully guaranteed contracts from the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans respectively.

Not surprisingly, no other second-round selections have agreed to terms given this shock to the league’s rookie compensation system.

With now even more gray area to Round 2 — and Norman-Lott one of the frame’s eight selections along the defensive line — the Chiefs’ final rookie contract could take some time to iron out.