Darrel Williams had a breakout season with the Chiefs in 2021, but he may be headed elsewhere. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports that the two sides haven’t been able to reach a new deal.
Williams, who will be 27 by the start of next season, took a step forward in terms of production in each of his first three years in Kansas City. His fourth with the team saw him receive 144 carries – by far a career-high – as he split duties with Clyde Edwards-Helaire. His performance likely earned him a fair-sized second contract.
Williams posted 558 yards and six touchdowns on the ground in 2021. He added 47 catches for 452 yards and another two scores in the passing game, showing his value in both aspects of the team’s offense. His 1,010 scrimmage yards had the Chiefs interested in keeping the former UDFA in the fold, but the team is already projected to be over the cap by roughly $6.25M with other pending free agents, including Tyrann Mathieu, left to be re-signed.
On the open market, Williams will join a free agent RB class including the likes of Leonard Fournette, Melvin Gordon and Raheem Mostert. Given the timing of his breakout year, he should be able to comfortably eclipse the $3.3M he’s made so far in his career. If he does depart, Kansas City would be left with Edwards-Helaire and Brenden Knox as the only tailbacks under contract through the 2021 season.
More must-reads: