The Situation
Veteran interior offensive lineman Connor Williams is expected to sign with a team before the 2024 season. Williams, who has previously played for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins, has become a sought-after free agent due to his solid track record and valuable experience.
Williams is currently in discussions with multiple teams, according to a report from ESPN. Despite suffering a season-ending ACL injury in Week 14 of the 2023 season, Williams is expected to be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season. Last season, he participated in nine games for the Dolphins, showcasing his resilience and reliability on the field.
Cowboys Tenure
Selected as the 50th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Williams immediately made an impact with the Dallas Cowboys, starting 10 games at left guard in his rookie year. His blocking was instrumental in helping the Cowboys secure a playoff berth and aided running back Ezekiel Elliott in winning his second rushing title.
However, Williams' career has been marred by injuries. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2019 but made a successful return by playing in all 16 regular-season games for the Cowboys in 2020. In 2021, he allowed the fewest pressures of any Cowboys lineman, solidifying his reputation as a reliable force on the offensive line.
Move to Miami
In 2022, Williams tested the open market and signed a two-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. During his tenure with the Dolphins, he started in each of his 26 games before his recent ACL injury. His presence on the offensive line was crucial in maintaining stability and providing protection for the quarterback.
Potential Teams
Williams' availability has attracted interest from several teams that can benefit from his experience and anticipated readiness for the upcoming season. Here are some of the potential landing spots for the veteran lineman:
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles find themselves in need of a solid interior lineman following the retirement of Jason Kelce this offseason. While Cam Jurgens is seen as a potential replacement, bringing in Williams could provide valuable competition for the starting center position. Williams' presence could be a significant boost given Philadelphia's rigorous offensive line demands.
New York Jets
The New York Jets' primary goal is to protect their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The addition of a veteran like Williams would add much-needed stability to their offensive line, particularly given starting interior lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker's back-to-back season-ending injuries. However, financial considerations may make this a less likely scenario for the Jets.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers already have a solid offensive line, but adding Williams could further fortify their ranks. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's affinity for offensive linemen makes Los Angeles a potential landing spot. Williams' experience in protecting franchise quarterbacks suggests he would adapt well to guarding Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert.
New York Giants
The Giants' offensive line struggled mightily last season, allowing a staggering 85 sacks. Adding Williams could provide a much-needed improvement in the Giants' pass protection. Williams surrendered just one sack in 497 snaps prior to his recent injury, demonstrating his capability as a reliable protector.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are focused on ensuring their offensive line can safeguard rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Adding a versatile and experienced player like Connor Williams would provide vital depth and resilience to Chicago's front line. This move would improve the Bears' chances of keeping their prized asset healthy throughout the season.
Conclusion
Connor Williams is a sought-after free agent for a reason. His track record of strong performance, even in the face of injuries, makes him an attractive option for multiple teams. As discussions continue and decisions are made, teams will be looking closely at Williams' past performances and his potential impact on their offensive lines. Whether it's providing stability for the Jets, competition for the Eagles, or protection for the Giants, Williams is poised to make a significant contribution to whichever team he joins.