As the Kansas City Chiefs gear up for another grueling training camp, the roster battles are heating up, and one name stands out as a surprising candidate to be cut or traded: cornerback Joshua Williams. A two-time Super Bowl champion and a reliable contributor, Williams’ future with the team is suddenly in question as the NFL’s brutal numbers game takes center stage.
On July 1, Arrowhead Pride analyst Jared Sapp broke down why Williams, a 2022 fourth-round pick, finds himself in a vulnerable spot as the Chiefs approach the 53-man roster cutdown. The team’s aggressive moves to bolster their secondary have put the 25-year-old veteran in a precarious position, despite his experience and championship pedigree.
A Crowded Cornerback Room
The Chiefs revamped their secondary in 2022, dedicating half of their 10 draft picks to defensive backs. Now, as four of those players—including Williams—enter the final year of their rookie contracts, the competition for snaps and roster spots has intensified. Williams’ $3.4 million non-guaranteed salary, which carries a $3.572 million cap hit, feels steep for a player who has primarily served as a CB3 or CB4.
“Williams’ salary is disproportionate to his role,” Sapp explained, noting that the cornerback earned a mandatory raise due to high defensive snap counts in 2022 and 2024, filling in during injuries to stars like Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. However, when Watson returned for the 2024 playoffs, Williams was relegated to the sidelines, seeing zero defensive snaps in the postseason.
The Chiefs’ offseason moves have only tightened the squeeze. Kansas City traded up to draft former California cornerback Nohl Williams at the 85th pick in April and signed veteran free agent Kristian Fulton to bolster the secondary. Meanwhile, fellow 2022 draft pick Nazeeh Johnson secured a reduced contract in March, guaranteeing $1.2 million of his earnings—a move that gives him a financial edge over Williams.
The Numbers Game
In the NFL, roster decisions often come down to cold, hard math, and the numbers aren’t in Williams’ favor. With no guaranteed money in his 2025 contract, the Chiefs could save significant cap space by moving on from him. Sapp emphasized that unless Williams agrees to a pay cut, “the math is unlikely to be on his side.”
Still, Williams has a chance to prove his worth during training camp and the preseason. His experience, athleticism, and championship pedigree make him a valuable asset—but the clock is ticking. “Williams will certainly have a chance to make his case,” Sapp noted, “but he should currently be seen as a strong candidate to be traded or cut after the preseason.”
A Trade to a Needy Team?
While it’s too early for the Chiefs to rush into a trade in July, Williams could become a hot commodity later in the summer, especially if Kansas City’s secondary stays healthy. At 25 years old (turning 26 in October), Williams is young enough to attract interest from cornerback-needy teams looking for a player with starting potential at a bargain price.
One potential suitor could be the Miami Dolphins, who recently parted ways with star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Williams’ sub-$4 million cap hit would be a steal for a team in need of a CB1 or CB2, and his ability to step into a larger role could make him an attractive trade target. Other teams desperate for secondary help might also come calling, as cornerback has become one of the NFL’s most critical positions.
Since being drafted, Williams has appeared in 60 games for the Chiefs, including playoff matchups, and started 12 contests. He’s been a reliable first option off the bench, contributing to two Super Bowl victories. However, his performance has been marred by inconsistency, including 13 penalties over three seasons and a troubling 19.4% missed tackle rate in 2024, per Pro Football Focus.
Stay or Go?
The Chiefs face a tough decision with Williams. A pay cut could keep him in Kansas City as a depth piece, but trading him now might be the smarter move, allowing the team to recoup value before he hits free agency next offseason. For Williams, a trade could be a golden opportunity to secure a starting role elsewhere and showcase his skills on a bigger stage.