Yes, defensive tackle Brandon Williams was officially picked up by an NFL team for the last time on November 30, 2022, when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He joined their practice squad and was promoted to the active roster on December 8, 2022. This crucial veteran pickup helped solidify the defensive line, culminating in a Super Bowl LVII victory before his career concluded.
Because Williams has now officially retired, he can no longer be picked up by NFL franchises, capping off an extraordinary professional journey defined by longevity, championship glory, and a final return to Baltimore.
Did Brandon Williams Get Picked Up? The Quick Answer
To put it simply, Brandon Williams was picked up for his final active NFL season in late 2022. The Kansas City Chiefs signed him on November 30, 2022, to provide much-needed support for their defensive front.
After spending a brief period on the practice squad, Williams was quickly promoted to the active 53-man roster on December 8, 2022.
He played as a rotational defender, won Super Bowl LVII, and subsequently transitioned into retirement. He concluded his professional path by signing a symbolic contract with Baltimore in November 2024.
The Complete NFL Career Timeline of Brandon Williams Signings
Throughout his outstanding career in professional football, Brandon Williams was signed or drafted by NFL franchises exactly three times. Each pivotal signing represents a distinct chapter in his journey from underdog to league champion.
The 2013 Rookie Draft Drafted by Baltimore
Williams entered the league on June 7, 2013, as a small-school prospect from Division II Missouri Southern State. The Baltimore Ravens selected him in the third round as the 94th overall pick.
He signed a four-year rookie deal worth $2.69 million, including a signing bonus of $515,000, launching his professional path.
The 2017 Historic Extension as a Core Raven
After proving himself as a dominant, elite run-stuffing defensive tackle, Williams became a highly coveted free agent in early 2017. To prevent him from leaving, Baltimore signed him to a massive five-year extension on March 9, 2017.
The contract was valued at $54 million with $27.5 million guaranteed, briefly making him the highest-paid nose tackle in NFL history.
The 2022 Veteran Championship Run with Kansas City
Following the end of his nine-year tenure in Baltimore, Williams spent eight months without a team. Desperate for veteran depth upfront, the Chiefs signed him on November 30, 2022.
He accepted a veteran minimum contract, contributed to their playoff push, and eventually won Super Bowl LVII, securing a championship ring before entering free agency again.
The 2024 Ceremonial One-Day Return to Baltimore
To complete his story correctly, Williams signed a symbolic one-day contract with Baltimore in November 2024. This ceremonial pickup allowed the beloved defensive tackle to retire as a member of the Ravens, where he spent his first nine seasons.
This final signing provided a heartwarming close to a highly respected professional career.
Breaking Down Brandon Williams Contract Values and Career Earnings
Analyzing the financial contracts of Williams’ professional journey reveals the immense market value placed on elite defensive run-stuffers. Below, we outline the structure and valuation of each contract throughout his timeline in the league.
| Signing Event & Date | NFL Franchise | Contract Value & Specific Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Rookie Draft Contract (June 7, 2013) | Baltimore Ravens | 4-year deal worth $2.69 million with a $515,000 signing bonus. |
| Historic Veteran Extension (March 9, 2017) | Baltimore Ravens | 5-year deal worth $54 million with $27.5 million guaranteed. |
| Championship Practice Squad & Active Contract (November 30, 2022) | Kansas City Chiefs | 1-year veteran minimum contract worth $1,120,000 prorated for the remainder of the season. |
| Ceremonial One-Day Retirement Contract (November 2024) | Baltimore Ravens | Symbolic one-day contract for retirement purposes with no active salary. |
Williams’ 2017 extension was historic, briefly making him the highest-paid nose tackle in the entire league, demonstrating how highly Baltimore valued his defensive ability.
His transition to a veteran minimum contract with the Chiefs in 2022 highlighted his willingness to accept a rotational role in pursuit of his first championship, which he successfully achieved.
These contracts paint a clear picture of an athlete who maximized his earning potential before chasing championship glory.
The Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Pickup in 2022
The late-season pickup of Brandon Williams by the Chiefs proved to be a masterclass in roster building. Here is how his time with the championship franchise played out.
Joining the Kansas City Practice Squad and Promotion
After spending over eight months as a free agent, Williams signed with the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad on November 30, 2022.
His presence was immediately valued, leading to his promotion to the active 53-man roster on December 8, 2022, to provide defensive line depth.
Rotational Impact and the Super Bowl LVII Win
Williams played in five regular-season games as a rotational defensive tackle, recording two tackles and half a sack.
He remained on the roster through the playoffs, culminating in a Super Bowl LVII victory against the Eagles, which earned him a championship ring.
Brandon Williams Retirement and Symbolic Homecoming
After achieving championship glory, Williams made a calculated decision regarding his future in professional football. His final moves in the league emphasize his respect for the franchise that first drafted him.
Stepping Away and Free Agency Decisions
After winning the Super Bowl with the Chiefs, Williams chose not to sign with any franchise during the subsequent season. He spent that period assessing his health and career goals before officially announcing his retirement from professional football.
He chose to retire on his own terms after achieving the ultimate goal of earning a championship ring.
The Ceremonial Ravens Contract of 2024
In November 2024, Williams returned to Baltimore for one final ceremonial pickup. By signing a symbolic one-day contract, he officially retired as a member of the Baltimore Ravens.
This contract recognized his first nine seasons with the organization, ensuring his professional football legacy remains tied to the fans who cheered him on.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brandon Williams
When was the last time Brandon Williams was picked up?
Brandon Williams was officially signed by an NFL team for the last time on November 30, 2022, when he joined the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad.
He was promoted to their active roster on December 8, 2022, playing in five regular-season games and helping the franchise secure Super Bowl LVII.
Which NFL teams did Brandon Williams play for?
Williams spent the first nine seasons of his professional career with the Baltimore Ravens, who drafted him in 2013 and signed him to an extension in 2017.
In late 2022, he played for his second active franchise, the Kansas City Chiefs. In November 2024, he retired with Baltimore after signing a symbolic one-day contract.
Did Brandon Williams win a Super Bowl?
Yes, Williams won a Super Bowl championship ring with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was signed mid-season on November 30, 2022, and remained an active piece of the defensive tackle rotation during their playoff push.
The run culminated in a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII.
How long did Brandon Williams play for the Ravens?
Williams played for the Baltimore Ravens for nine complete seasons. He was drafted by the team in June 2013 and played until his contract expired at the end of the 2021 season.
To maintain his connection with the team, he returned in late 2024 to sign a one-day ceremonial contract.
Is Brandon Williams still active in the NFL?
No, Williams is officially retired and is no longer an active player. Following his Super Bowl victory in 2022, his contract expired, and he became an unrestricted free agent.
After sitting out the following season, he officially announced his retirement, finalizing his legendary football story in November 2024.
The Final Verdict on Brandon Williams’ NFL Legacy
In summary, the journey of Brandon Williams shows how an underdog draft pick can elevate himself into one of the league’s premium defensive tackles.
While he spent the vast majority of his career as a core piece of the Ravens’ roster, his late-season pickup by the Chiefs in 2022 provided the ultimate prize: a Super Bowl championship.
Williams proved that persistence and elite run-stuffing ability could lead to both historic contracts and postseason triumph.
His final return to Baltimore to retire on a symbolic contract was a fitting tribute to a career characterized by loyalty, excellence, and championships.
