His first NFL start came in Week 10 of the 2018 season against the Detroit Lions, where he recorded his first full sack on quarterback Matthew Stafford in a 34–22 win.

[11] In the final game of the year against Minnesota, he recovered a fumble by Mike Boone on the Vikings' opening drive.

[12] After nose tackle Eddie Goldman opted out of the 2020 season for COVID-19 reasons, Nichols took over his slot.

[16] Nichols signed a two-year, $11 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 17, 2022.

[17][18] During the Raiders' 2023 Week 16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Nichols recovered a fumble by Patrick Mahomes and returned it 8 yards for his first career touchdown.