Karlos Williams: Latest News, Rumors, Speculation Surrounding Free-Agent RB

Rob GoldbergAug 22, 2016

Former Buffalo Bills running back Karlos Williams was released after his four-game suspension was announced, but that hasn't stopped interested teams from taking a look in free agency.

Continue for updates.

Williams Linked to Steelers

Wednesday, Aug. 31

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Williams recently worked out for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 reported on Monday that the Steelers "continue to show interest" in Williams.

Williams Reportedly Visits Jets

Tuesday, Aug. 23

Capaccio reported that Williams is meeting with the New York Jets. However, according to Rich Cimini of ESPN.com, the Jets are simply doing their "due diligence" and a deal is not imminent.

Jaguars Reportedly Interested in Williams

Monday, Aug. 22

According to Lauren Brooks of the radio show Helmets and Heels, the Jacksonville Jaguars are the team most interested in signing the 23-year-old running back.

While there will likely be a number of interested organizations, Jacksonville could provide the former Florida State star with a hometown feel and a necessary support system.

He could also help a team that ranked 27th in the NFL last season in rushing yards. Only the San Diego Chargers had fewer rushing touchdowns, and the Jaguars managed just five scores on the ground all year.

Even after adding Chris Ivory in free agency, Jacksonville could use more depth at a position that features plenty of injuries. Ivory has played a 16-game season just once in his six-year career.

Williams Clears Waivers

Monday, Aug. 22

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Williams went unclaimed and is now a free agent.

Williams' Off-Field Issues Cloud Future in NFL

Williams ran for 517 yards with seven touchdowns in his first year with the Buffalo Bills, averaging an impressive 5.7 yards per carry that would have led the NFL with enough touches. He started three games in place of the injured LeSean McCoy, representing quality depth for a team that likes to run the ball.

Unfortunately, the offseason hasn’t exactly gone as planned for the second-year player.

The former fifth-round pick showed up overweight to camp before being suspended four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Buffalo eventually waived the running back, with general manager Doug Whaley saying that it was an on-field decision, per ESPN.com’s Mike Rodak:

"
I've always said this is a performance-based business. The release of Karlos Williams was strictly performance-based. He came in behind the eight ball and never caught up. And there was other guys on the roster that moved ahead of him.
In light of that, we thought, 'Why hold on to him? Why don't we give him a chance to maybe find another job out there in the league?' We weren't going to hold on to him to the end, knowing he wasn't going to make the team.
"

Tim Graham of the Buffalo News added what the move could do going forward:

Williams is now a free agent with a chance to prove himself with a new team.

No matter who signs Williams, it’s clear there will be plenty of upside in the move.

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