HEADLINES

Tyrell Williams

Contract Details: Williams, Webb, Verrett

March 15th, 2019 at 2:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are the latest particulars in recently agreed-upon contracts, courtesy of the Houston Chronicle’s Aaron Wilson (unless otherwise noted).

Raiders Notes: Brown, Bell, Williams, Joyner

March 13th, 2019 at 5:28pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers weren’t the only team to miss out on Le’Veon Bell. Vic Tafur of The Athletic writes that the Raiders made an offer to the star running back, and “there was some real buzz in the building” yesterday.

The reporter also notes that the Raiders thought they could land Bell if “money wasn’t the most important thing,” as the running back reportedly preferred to play for the Raiders. After missing out on Bell, the team also took a run at Mark Ingram, who ended up landing in Baltimore.

Bell ultimately agreed to a four-year, $52.5MM deal with the Jets, forcing the Raiders to look elsewhere for a running back. At the moment, the team is rostering three backs in DeAndre Washington, Chris Warren, and James Butler.

Let’s check out some more notes out of Oakland…

  • The Raiders weren’t even considering an Antonio Brown trade until the deal between the Steelers and Bills fell apart, general manager Mike Mayock told Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com (Twitter link). The organization ultimately acquired the Pro Bowl wide receiver in exchange for a third- and fifth-round pick in this year’s draft.
  • The Raiders continued to show interest in wideout Tyrell Williams even after pulling off the Brown trade, according to Jason La Canfora (on Twitter). The team ended up agreeing to a four-year, $44MM deal ($22MM guaranteed) earlier today. La Canfora notes that several other teams pursued Williams, including the Ravens, Saints, Steelers, Jets. Many of those teams were offering contracts between $8MM and $9MM annually, with the 27-year-old ultimately receiving $11MM a season from the Raiders.
  • The Raiders are planning to rely on Lamarcus Joyner as their primary nickel cornerback, writes Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. The 28-year-old has primarily played safety throughout his career, although he did play some cornerback early on his career. The team will occasionally deploy Joyner at safety, although Gehlken notes that the team could still add another player at the position. Joyner is set to sign a four years, $42MM deal with the Raiders.

Raiders To Sign Tyrell Williams

March 13th, 2019 at 1:02pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Having already added superstar Antonio Brown to their receiving corps, the Raiders are making another pass-catching upgrade. Oakland has agreed to sign wide receiver Tyrell Williams, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network tweets that it is a four-year, $44MM deal for Williams, with $22MM guaranteed. The contract maxes out at $47MM with incentives.

As recently as last night, there was a belief the Raiders were not a serious contender for Williams. That may have been due to their acquisition of Brown, or perhaps Williams had been generating enough serious interest from other clubs that Oakland assumed it was no longer a suitor. But Williams will head to the Bay Area after being connected to the Raiders throughout the free agent process.

Viewed as arguably the most intriguing wideout of the 2019 free agent class, Williams had reportedly drawn interest from a number of clubs, including the Colts, Steelers, and Browns.

Williams, 27, first emerged as a legitimate NFL wideout in 2015. With Keenan Allen injured, Williams stepped in as Philip Rivers‘ No. 1 target, hauling in 69 receptions for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns. Over the past two years, Williams’ volume declined as Allen re-entered the lineup and 2017 first-round pick Mike Williams began taking snaps, but he’s still remained effective. In 2018, Williams ranked 24th among 84 qualifying receivers in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, meaning he was productive on a per-play basis.

As expected, the Raiders and head coach Jon Gruden have been active this offseason, acquiring not only Brown and Williams, but left tackle Trent Brown and safety Lamarcus Joyner.

Raiders Not Expected To Sign WR Tyrell Williams

March 12th, 2019 at 8:58pm CST by Ben Levine

While the Raiders were previously connected to free agent wideout Tyrell Williams, it sounds like they’ve ended their pursuit. Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports (via Twitter) that Williams isn’t expected to sign with the Raiders.

However, it sounds like the Raiders will still be eyeing some reinforcement at receiver. Gehlken notes that the team is likely to round out their wideout corps via the draft. The team already added one major play-maker in Antonio Brown, and they’re still rostering reliable options like Jordy Nelson and Seth Roberts, so opting for the younger route makes plenty of sense.

While Williams may be down a suitor, he should still be able to secure a lucrative deal elsewhere. The 27-year-old broke onto the scene in 2015, hauling in 69 receptions for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns with the Chargers. Over the past two years, Williams’ volume declined as Keenan Allen re-entered the lineup and 2017 first-round pick Mike Williams began taking snaps, but he’s still remained effective. In 2018, Williams ranked 24th among 84 qualifying receivers in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, meaning he was productive on a per-play basis.

While his numbers aren’t all that glowing, he could still end up inking the most lucrative deal among wideouts this offseason. The Steelers, Browns, and Colts have been connected to Williams, but it’s uncertain if these teams still have interest in the free agent.

Steelers Interested In WR Tyrell Williams

March 12th, 2019 at 12:27pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Steelers lost one of the top receivers in the league when they traded away Antonio Brown, and now they’re looking to replace him. The team is “involved in the receiver market,” and they’ve inquired about Tyrell Williams, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (Twitter link). 

If Pittsburgh is indeed going after Williams, they won’t be alone. The Browns are reportedly interested in the young wideout, and the Steelers may also face competition from the team they traded Brown to. Even after acquiring Brown, the Raiders are still interested in adding Williams, according to Michael Gehlken of The Las Vegas Review Journal (Twitter link). The Colts have also been linked to Williams, but their signing of Devin Funchess probably took them out of the running.

Williams has spent the last four seasons with the Charges, and has been one of the most buzzed about free agent receivers. Due to the Chargers’ crowded receiving depth chart, it seems like a foregone conclusion that he’ll be walking. A 2015 undrafted free agent from Western Oregon, Williams barely played as a rookie.

But he broke out in his second season, catching 69 passes for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns. That was the year Keenan Allen missed the entire season with a torn ACL, and Williams’ production has dipped the last couple of years after Allen returned and the Chargers drafted Mike Williams in the first round. Still though, Williams is a big, talented receiver who can also beat teams deep, and he’d be a great addition as a team’s number two option.

Browns Interested In WR Tyrell Williams

March 7th, 2019 at 5:28pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Browns are expected to have interest in pending Chargers free agent receiver Tyrell Williams, sources tell Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com.

Now viewed as the most intriguing receiver scheduled to hit the open market next week, Williams is expected to be highly-coveted once free agency begins. In addition to the Browns, both the Raiders and Colts are likely to pursue Williams, who could exceed $12MM annually on his next contract.

Williams, 27, first emerged as a legitimate NFL wideout in 2015. With Keenan Allen injured, Williams stepped in as Philip Rivers‘ No. 1 target, hauling in 69 receptions for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns. Over the past two years, Williams’ volume declined as Allen re-entered the lineup and 2017 first-round pick Mike Williams began taking snaps, but he’s still remained effective. In 2018, Williams ranked 24th among 84 qualifying receivers in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, meaning he was productive on a per-play basis.

The Browns’ top three receivers in terms of playtime — Jarvis Landry, Antonio Callaway, and Rashard Higgins — should all return next season, but Cleveland could lose former first-round pick Breshad Perriman to free agency. General manager John Dorsey has held talks with Perriman’s agent, but no deal is considered close.

La Canfora’s Latest: Mathieu, Ravens, Bucs

March 6th, 2019 at 9:18pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While the Texans are attempting to retain Tyrann Mathieu, both the Ravens and Buccaneers have “serious interest” in the veteran defensive back, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com. Baltimore just released fellow safety Eric Weddle on Tuesday, while Tampa Bay has been in need of secondary help for years. Mathieu inked a one-year, $7MM deal with Houston last year, but he’s expected to receive a significant raise on his next contract. Per La Canfora, Mathieu should be able to collect $24MM over the first two years of a new deal.

Here’s more from JLC:

  • Overall, the safety market is not expected to be as depressed as it was a year ago, when Mathieu, Eric Reid, Kenny Vaccaro, Tre Boston, and others were forced to settle for one-year pacts. Earl Thomas will set the market and is asking for $13MM annually, per La Canfora. Meanwhile, former Giants safety Landon Collins — now on the market after New York declined to franchise him — will likely come in below Thomas, and Bears defender Adrian Amos is searching for $9-10MM per year.
  • While there aren’t any clear-cut, No. 1 wideouts available this offseason, slot receivers are aplenty, and they should get paid, says JLC. Golden Tate is looking for $13MM per season, while Adam Humphries may be targeting $10MM annually and has already been deemed too expensive to return to the Buccaneers. Cole Beasley could also get $10MM per year, while John Brown wants $8-9MM per season.
  • Offensive tackle Daryl Williams is expected to reach the open market, and La Canfora reports Williams’ price has already “soared” above where the Panthers are comfortable paying. Both the Bills and Giants are expected to target Williams, and both connections make sense. Buffalo employs former Carolina staffer Brandon Beane as its general manager, while ex-Panthers GM Dave Gettleman is in charge in New York.
  • The Raiders have already been mentioned as a potential suitor for Chargers receiver Tyrell Williams, and the Colts could also join the fray, per La Canfora. Williams is expected to earn more than $12MM per year on his new deal.

Raiders Likely To Pursue Tyrell Williams

March 3rd, 2019 at 1:51pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Raiders are expected to target Chargers free agent wide receiver Tyrell Williams this offseason, according to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Oakland, of course, traded pass-catcher Amari Cooper to the Cowboys at midseason, collecting a 2019 first-round pick in the process but depriving quarterback Derek Carr of an offensive weapon. Jordy Nelson led the Raiders with 41 receptions after Cooper was dealt, and he’ll return next season alongside Seth Roberts, Marcell Ateman, Keon Hatcher. But Brandon LaFell, Dwayne Harris, and the suspended Martavis Bryant are all set to reach unrestricted free agency next month.

Williams, 27, first emerged as a legitimate NFL wideout in 2015. With Keenan Allen injured, Williams stepped in as Philip Rivers‘ No. 1 target, hauling in 69 receptions for 1,069 yards and seven touchdowns. Over the past two years, Williams’ volume declined as Allen re-entered the lineup and 2017 first-round pick Mike Williams began taking snaps, but he’s still remained effective. In 2018, Williams ranked 24th among 84 qualifying receivers in Football Outsiders’ DVOA, meaning he was productive on a per-play basis.

While Williams may not have the numbers of a traditional No. 1 wide receiver, he’s arguably in line to become the highest-paid wideout among 2019 free agents. This year’s crop of available pass-catchers isn’t special, with options such as Golden Tate, Adam Humphries, John Brown, and Jamison Crowder expected to be among the most-coveted at the position

Extra Points: Free Agency, Williams, Humphries, Lions

February 22nd, 2019 at 8:09pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

We’re just a few weeks away from the start of free agency, and the market is starting to heat up. Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo of NFL Network were recently discussing the wide receiver market, and both think that Chargers receiver Tyrell Williams is in for a big payday (Twitter link). Pelissero points out that “four NFL players since 2015 have averaged over 16 yards on 150+ catches: DeSean Jackson, T.Y. Hilton, Rob Gronkowski“, and Williams.

Williams has been quietly producing for the Chargers the past few years, but has mostly been hidden behind Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. It doesn’t sound like Los Angeles is looking to commit major resources to their third receiver, so it seems probable that he walks next month. Both Garafolo and Pelissero seem to think he could wind up as some new team’s number one wideout. A former undrafted free agent from Western Oregon, Williams had 653 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Here’s more from around the league:

  • In a separate video posted to Twitter, Garafolo and Pelissero broke down this year’s class of free agent slot receivers. Notably, Garafolo thinks Buccaneers receiver Adam Humphries is an under-the-radar player who could “cash in” on the open market. Like Williams, Humphries has proven to be a player very capable of producing, but has been buried on a Tampa Bay roster stacked at the skill positions.
  • The Lions released safety Glover Quin last week, and his run with Detroit apparently ended much sooner. Quin revealed in a recent podcast interview that he had actually asked the team to release him last offseason, shortly after the team hired Matt Patricia to be their coach, according to Dave Birkett of The Detroit Free Press. The Lions obviously declined, and kept Quin for this past season before cutting ties. Quin is 33 now and his play has been declining the past few years, but he’s still a serviceable player and should have no problem finding a new home.
  • In case you missed it, the Steelers’ GM confirmed that three teams had reached out to inquire about an Antonio Brown trade.

 

Chargers’ Tyrell Williams: I’m A No. 1 WR

January 30th, 2019 at 12:03pm CST by Zachary Links

Chargers receiver Tyrell Williams is set to hit free agency in March. Based on his own self-evaluation, it sounds like he’ll be looking to make big bucks on the open market. 

“I definitely feel like I’m a No. 1 receiver,” Williams said while exiting the Chargers’ facility earlier this month (via Eric D. Williams of ESPN.com). “So I want to make sure that I clean up all of the little things in route running and blocking, to make sure I solidify myself as a No. 1.”

Frankly speaking, Williams did not put up WR1 numbers in 2018 – he finished out with 41 catches for 653 yards and five touchdowns. However, he did show serious promise in 2016 when he caught 69 passes for 1,059 yards and seven scores as an NFL sophomore.

The Chargers, meanwhile, are interested in a new deal, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll be close on terms.

“This past year, his game had already been solid, and he kind of took it to the next level this year,” Chargers general manager Tom Telesco said. “He’s certainly earned his second contract. Those are discussions we have to have, but I just don’t have hard answers at this point in the offseason.”

The WR market at large will dictate Williams’ asking price. In the 2017 offseason, wide receivers like Terrelle Pryor were met with disappointment in free agency. But, last year, players like Sammy Watkins and Paul Richardson found free agent riches. Williams is not expected to approach Watkins’ $16MM AAV, but he could be in line for a solid multi-year payday.

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