Chiefs Ink No. 29 Pick Peter Woods to $17.3M Rookie Deal

KANSAS CITY, Kan. -- The Kansas City Chiefs finalized a pivotal rookie contract on the heels of the 2026 NFL Draft, securing first-round selection Peter Woods at No. 29 overall. The former Clemson star inked a four-year, fully guaranteed deal valued at $17.3 million, including a $9.04 million signing bonus and a $4.3 million average annual value, per Spotrac projections. Woods is slated to earn $3.1 million in his debut season, aligning with the league's elevated base rookie salary of $885,000 for 2026.

This signing comes as the Chiefs aim to fortify their defensive line, a critical need following questions surrounding veteran Chris Jones' future, as highlighted in recent analyses. Woods, a disruptive force at Clemson, brings versatility to a unit that powered Kansas City's recent championship pursuits. The contract structure, standard for all first-rounders with fifth-year options, underscores the Chiefs' investment in immediate and long-term impact from their Arrowhead Stadium home.

Local fans in Kansas City and across Kansas eagerly await Woods' integration into Andy Reid's scheme. With six of seven 2025 draftees already signed—including first-round offensive lineman Josh Simmons to a $14.68 million pact—the Chiefs are methodically building depth. Woods' arrival positions the two-time defending champions to contend fiercely in the AFC West, blending youth with proven talent at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.