When NFL free agency began earlier this week, one of the positions with a number of intriguing options was running back. The list of options included the NFL’s leading rusher in DeMarco Murray, along with backs with Pro-Bowl credentials such as Frank Gore, Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson and Justin Forsett. Others such as Roy Helu and Ryan Mathews were looking for new opportunities after spending their time with one team.
Such was the case with DeAngelo Williams. After nine seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Williams entered free agency knowing that for the first time in his career, he would be playing for a new team. As of Friday, that new team would be the Pittsburgh Steelers, and considering the running back situation for the black and gold, the addition of Williams could be a welcome one.
Though the Steelers have arguably the best dual-threat back in the league in Le’Veon Bell, the All-Pro running back is also facing an NFL mandated suspension that could range from two to four games for his DUI arrest last August. Couple that with the fact that the Steelers two other backs with NFL experience, second year players Josh Harris and Dri Archer, and the need for a proven veteran was obvious.
The question now becomes can Williams, who will turn 32 next month, come in and provide the Steelers a productive, trustworthy option to back up Bell?
Williams has a chance to do something rare in the NFL; reach a decade of service in the league as a running back. In a league where runners are normally heading out to pasture by the time they reach their late 20’s, Williams has been able to stick. Despite of a foot injury that cost Williams much of last season, the five-foot, nine-inch, 215-pound back has been able to stay relatively healthy for much of his career.
In fact, Williams has played in 13 or more games in seven of his nine seasons, including in 2013 where he started 15 games and rushing for 843 yards and three touchdowns. His best season was in 2008 when Williams rushed for 1,515 yards and 18 touchdowns. Williams followed that season up with another 1,000-yard season in 2009, but after reaching that high water mark in his career, he’s failed to get back to that level while sharing much of the workload with fellow first rounder Jonathan Stewart.
It would seem clear that Williams will not be expected to be the back he once was in Carolina, but the Steelers hope they can rely on him to come in and carry the load during Bell’s suspension, along with contributing as a backup once Bell is back.
At the relatively affordable price tag of $4 million over two years, the Steelers bring in a high character player who can bring veteran leadership and experience to the Steeler locker room. The hope is beyond those valuable intangibles, Williams is still capable of contributing on the field in a position of need.
