Chiefs Rookie Threatens to Leave NFL Amid Contract Dispute
June 24, 2025, 2:17 PM +07, Kansas City, MO – The Kansas City Chiefs are grappling with a potential crisis as their 2025 NFL Draft second-round pick, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, threatens to step away from football over a contract standoff. His demand for a fully guaranteed deal has rattled the team ahead of training camp, according to recent reports.
Norman-Lott, selected 63rd overall from Tennessee, is pushing for a contract worth around $10.5 million with full guarantees, per estimated rookie salary figures. “I won’t play without fair protection,” he told NFL.com, heightening tension as the Chiefs prepare for their July training camp. His stance has cast a shadow over an otherwise promising offseason.
The 22-year-old pass rusher showcased his skills during minicamp, boasting an 88.3 true pass-set grade from his college days, where he led the nation with an 18.9% pass-rush win rate. He’s expected to rotate into the defensive line alongside Chris Jones, addressing a need left by the departures of Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi. However, his potential holdout risks weakening a unit that struggled against the run last season.
Head coach Andy Reid remains optimistic, saying, “We’re working through it,” in a recent update. Yet, GM Brett Veach, managing a tight cap space after drafting offensive tackle Josh Simmons, has hesitated to offer fully guaranteed rookie contracts, a trend noted across the 2025 draft class. If unresolved, Norman-Lott could sit out 2025 and re-enter the 2026 draft, jeopardizing the Chiefs’ Super Bowl aspirations.
As the team eyes their opener, the dispute with Norman-Lott tests Veach’s strategy. Will he compromise, or lose a key piece? Keep up with ESPN for the latest developments.
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