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.[2] 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.[2][4] 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.[1][3] 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.