Chiefs will face two 2021 teammates vs. Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals running back Darrel Williams played the first four seasons of his career in Kansas City. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Chiefs will face two 2021 teammates in Week 1 clash vs. Cardinals

By Thomas Huitt-Johnson | Last updated 9/8/22

The Kansas City Chiefs will play against two familiar faces on Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals: running back Darrel Williams and linebacker Ben Niemann. The former Chiefs signed free-agent deals with the Cardinals in the offseason.

Williams didn't take the bait when he was asked this week to compare his new quarterback, Kyler Murray, with his old one, Patrick Mahomes.

"They're both great in their own way," Williams said, per Kevin Parrish Jr. of the Cardinals' official website.

Williams played in 51 games with the Chiefs over four seasons, and last year, he had career highs in carries (144), rushing yards (558) and touchdowns (six).

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the Chiefs and Williams tried to reach an agreement but couldn't strike a deal.

To replace Williams, the Chiefs signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-round pick Ronald Jones to a one-year deal. The signing drew an interesting reaction from Williams on Twitter:

Sheeshhhhh
— darrel williams (@darrelwilliams_) March 26, 2022

On this week's depth chart, Williams is listed as a co-backup to starter James Conner. It's highly likely he will play Sunday.

Niemann, like Williams, went undrafted in 2018. He started 10 games over the past two seasons and provided depth at linebacker. His best play came at one of the most important times.

In Super Bowl LIV, Niemann pressured 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, forcing an incompletion on third down in the fourth quarter. On the next drive, Mahomes led his team downfield for the winning touchdown.

Niemann was a fixture on special teams in Kansas City, and the Cardinals added him with that in mind. He was placed as the third middle linebacker on the depth chart for Week 1.

Kansas City replaced 20 players from last year's roster, including 12 from the 2019 championship team.

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