The Situation
Veteran interior offensive lineman Connor Williams is on the verge of signing with a new team before the 2024 NFL season. The experienced guard, who has previously played for both the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins, is currently in discussions with multiple teams across the league, according to a report by ESPN.
Williams' career has been marked by both significant achievements and unfortunate injuries. Most recently, he suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 14 of the 2023 season but is expected to be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season.
In the last season, Williams participated in nine games for the Dolphins before his injury. Drafted 50th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, Williams made an immediate impact in his rookie year with the Cowboys, starting 10 games at left guard. His blocking abilities were crucial in helping the Cowboys secure a playoff berth and aided running back Ezekiel Elliott in winning his second rushing title.
Williams has faced challenges with injuries throughout his career. He suffered another season-ending ACL injury in 2019 but made a robust comeback, playing in all 16 regular-season games for the Cowboys in 2020. In the 2021 season, he allowed the fewest pressures of any Cowboys lineman, establishing himself as a reliable force on the offensive line.
In 2022, Williams tested the open market and signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins. He started in each of his 26 games for the team before his recent ACL injury. Despite this setback, numerous teams are showing keen interest in Williams, drawn by his experience and expected readiness for the upcoming season.
Potential Teams
The Philadelphia Eagles are 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 a seasoned player like Williams could provide valuable competition for the starting center position. Williams' presence could be a significant boost given Philadelphia's rigorous offensive line demands.
For the New York Jets, the primary objective is to protect their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The inclusion of a veteran like Williams would add much-needed stability to their offensive line, especially considering starting interior lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker has had back-to-back season-ending injuries. However, financial considerations could make this a less likely scenario for the Jets.
The Los Angeles Chargers already boast 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 the Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert.
The New York Giants struggled mightily with their offensive line last season, allowing a staggering 85 sacks. Adding Williams could provide a much-needed improvement in the Giants' pass protection. Before his recent injury, Williams surrendered just one sack in 497 snaps, demonstrating his capability as a reliable protector.
The Chicago 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, improving the team's chances of keeping their prized asset healthy through the season.
Quotes
As we look ahead, it's evident that Connor Williams is a highly sought-after player. "Connor Williams is expected to sign with a team before the 2024 season," reports ESPN. Despite his injury history, "Williams is expected to be ready for Week 1." His earlier tenure with the Cowboys was marked by significant achievements, as "Williams' blocking helped the Cowboys capture a playoff berth" and "helped Ezekiel Elliott win his second rushing title." Williams' resilience is further underscored by his return to play "in each of the Cowboys' 16 regular-season games in 2020" following a severe ACL injury in 2019.
His consistent performance has been a hallmark of his career, as noted with "Williams allowed the fewest pressures of any Cowboys lineman in the 2021 season." After testing the open market in 2022, "Williams ultimately signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins." There, he continued his streak of strong performances, starting "in each of his 26 games for the Dolphins" before the latest injury.
When it comes to potential teams, protecting star players remains a key focus. For instance, protecting Aaron Rodgers is "the Jets' top priority," making "adding a veteran like Williams to the group" a sensible move. Similarly, the Giants need an upgrade after a dismal season where their "offensive line gave up 85 sacks last year," and adding Williams could provide a significant boost.
As the 2024 season approaches, Williams' destination remains a hot topic of discussion, and his next move could very well determine the fortification of an NFL team's offensive line.