The Kansas City Chiefs made a quiet but notable roster move this week.
Cornerback Robert Rochell was officially released by the team, creating an opening for a potential addition.
That move, while not surprising, marks the latest stop in Rochell’s rollercoaster NFL journey.
To fill the void, the Chiefs are turning their attention to an under-the-radar prospect. Safety Major Williams, a minicamp tryout player out of Carson-Newman University, has signed with the team. The move suggests Kansas City continues exploring young depth for its secondary.
Rochell’s Chiefs Tenure Comes To An End
Rochell entered the league with high hopes after being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. He played 11 games and started five during his rookie season, even recording an interception. However, an untimely injury that year sidelined him and changed the trajectory of his career.
After that setback, Rochell struggled to find his place in the league. The Rams moved on from him during final cuts in 2023, and he spent time on the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers. He then landed with the Green Bay Packers, where he toggled between the active roster and the practice squad.
Though he hasn’t contributed much on defense lately, Rochell remained a special teams asset. He played 121 special teams snaps for Green Bay during the 2024 season. But his defensive opportunities continued diminishing, logging just one snap in the past two years.
The Chiefs hoped his background in multiple systems could help him thrive under Steve Spagnuolo. Unfortunately, Rochell didn’t show enough in Kansas City to stick around. His departure now gives another defensive back a chance to make a name.
Major Williams Gets His NFL Shot
That next man up is Williams, who earned his opportunity the hard way. The former Carson-Newman standout impressed at the Chiefs’ recent rookie minicamp and is now officially joining the team. He’ll look to prove himself this summer in St. Joseph, Missouri.
Williams had an impressive collegiate resume, earning back-to-back All-American honors—the first Eagle to do so since 2019. He played with speed, tenacity, and intelligence, all traits Kansas City values in its defensive backs. His showing at the Hula Bowl, where he grabbed an interception and took home MVP honors, put him on the radar.
During his final season, Williams totaled 53 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. He also snagged one interception and became the first Eagle in a decade to score on a defensive PAT. That level of playmaking stands out, especially for a school that hasn’t sent many players to the NFL in recent years.
A Pipeline Of Carson-Newman Defensive Talent
Williams continues a growing tradition of standout defensive backs from Carson-Newman. He joins names like Desmond Fairell, Jerry Miclisse, and Eien Jacob as All-Americans at the position. Over the past decade, the Eagles have produced six DBs with All-America honors, adding to a legacy that includes 21 all-time selections.
His three-year career saw him record 155 total tackles, four interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Even more impressive were his 30 pass breakups and four non-offensive touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and instincts. Williams often made the kind of impact that extended beyond the stat sheet.
With a strong foundation of success and the drive to continue improving, Williams will now attempt to climb the depth chart with the Chiefs. While undrafted, his work ethic and production suggest he could be more than just a camp body.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs’ decision to part ways with Rochell makes sense as they continue reshaping their depth. He offered experience and special teams value, but his upside on defense was fading fast. The team wants to keep evaluating players with fresh legs and raw potential.
That’s where Williams enters the picture, bringing strong college production and a chip on his shoulder. His journey may be just beginning, but the opportunity now exists to make a name in Kansas City’s competitive secondary. With training camp ahead, his performance will determine how long this story lasts.
