According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Pittsburgh Steelers have finally dug into the free agency market, signing veteran RB DeAngelo Williams. The 31 year-old who played in college at Memphis was drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft with the 27th pick by the Carolina Panthers. He has been a member of the team ever since, setting franchise records in just about every rushing category during the course of nine seasons there.
Williams missed quite a bit of time last season, but was active at the end of the season and into the playoffs. In Carolina’s loss to Seattle, he carried only twice and in the win over Arizona the week prior, he had just four chances. He will join a Steelers squad that features Le’Veon Bell, but it is likely Williams will have an opportunity to fill in during Bell’s season-opening two-game suspension.
Williams, who will be 32 in April, is the all-time leader for the Panthers in numerous categories, including carries, touchdowns and 100-yard games.
The breakout of Jonathan Steward allowed Williams to be cut by the Panthers and saved the team $2 million against the salary cap.
Pittsburgh Sporting News will continue to keep you posted on developments during the free agency period and leading up to the 2015 NFL Draft.
