The Kansas City Chiefs attempted to lock up one of their own ahead of the NFL’s legal tampering period but failed to do so.
As first reported by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Chiefs attempted to sign RB Darrel Williams before the legal tampering window opens at noon. The two sides have failed to strike up a deal and as a result, Williams will head to free agency and test his market. KC Star beat writer Herbie Teope confirmed this report.
The 26-year-old Williams is coming off of a breakout season where he exceeded 1,000 scrimmage yards and scored eight touchdowns in Kansas City. The former undrafted free agent out of LSU was one of just three players for the Chiefs last year to finish the season with over 1,000 scrimmage yards along with Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill.
The #Chiefs have tried to reach an agreement with RB Darrel Williams ahead of the negotiating window that opens today but the sides haven't struck a deal, sources say. Williams, 26, is headed to free agency following a breakout season with over 1,000 scrimmage yards and 8 TDs.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 14, 2022
The two sides are expected to remain in contact throughout the NFL’s legal tampering window, but the fact that they couldn’t resolve a contract ahead of the start of free agency is telling. It’s likely that Williams expects to have a stronger market, fresh off of a breakout campaign. It’s also likely that the Chiefs were hoping to retain someone who has become a key player for the team, under what that market value might be.
