The Steelers aren’t ready to give up on Karlos Williams. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports (via Twitter) that the organization has signed the running back to a reserve/futures contract. The NFL also lifted Williams’ 10-game suspension.
After being taken by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, Williams showed plenty of promise during his rookie season. In 11 games (three starts), the running back rushed for 517 yards and seven touchdowns on 93 carries, and he added another 11 receptions for 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns. However, Williams showed up overweight to training camp this past season, and he was subsequently handed a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The Bills ultimately decided to cut the promising running back, and he passed through waivers unclaimed.
Several teams showed interest in Williams, including the Jets and Steelers. Even the Bills were rumored to be considering a reunion. The running back ultimately caught on with Pittsburgh’s practice squad, but he was handed with a 10-game suspension in late November.
Williams could have an opportunity to make the Steelers’ roster next season. Starting running back Le’Veon Bell is expected to return, but backup DeAngelo Williams is also hitting free agency. Considering the veteran is set to turn 34 this offseason, the team could instead look towards the younger Williams, who is still only 23-years-old.
This kid replaces the need to draft a RB this summer. He has the talent of an All Pro, but the maturity level of a 10 year old.
Here’s to hoping Vince explained to him that this is his last opportunity to play in the NFL. Get him in shape and his weight down to the 215-220 range and he will be a beast for us.
He’s proven to be a starting 3 down back in the NFL. Numbers never lie.
This is a very smart move by the Steelers. If he stays out of trouble, a RB tandem of Bell and K. Williams could be the best in the NFL.
Karlos Williams and Le’Veon Bell could become a newet version of the Bell/Blount days in early 2014 as from what I remember seeing while watching his highlights from his rookie campaign he seemed like a bit of a bruiser with some sneaky speed… Could be a great tandom with Bell to keep him healthy and avoid using him 30 times a game…
Leveon “big game hurt” Bell needs an exceptional backup cuz he misses so much time. And important time. In big games.