NFL Free Agency: Odds for Every NFL Team of Signing DeAngelo Williams
After a 2010 season plagued with injuries and struggles for DeAngelo Williams, it appears he'll be a highly-coveted free agent in 2011.
Which teams could use him as either a permanent starter or a guy who splits carries? Well, there's the Packers who have a young James Starks and an injury-prone Ryan Grant. The Redskins have done away with former Pro Bowl running back Clinton Portis, and the San Francisco 49ers could use some assistance for Frank Gore.
In the end, only one team will claim this young stud, but who's most-likely to grab him?
In ascending order, here's a detailed list entailed with the odds of each NFL team signing Williams. Let's take a look...
32. Minnesota Vikings
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The Vikings have Adrian Peterson. He's the best running back in the NFL, and he's well on his way to being an all-time great.
Minnesota also has a solid back up running back in Toby Gerhart, who runs with power.
Williams wouldn't compliment Peterson's already evident speed. The Vikes are least likely to sign Williams.
31. Kansas City Chiefs
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Sure, most people expected the Titans to be next, but Jamaal Charles is the most explosive open field runner in the NFL.
He averaged nearly six yards per carry in 2010, even when splitting carries with Thomas Jones.
Jones is a great back up for the Chiefs, and they have Dexter McCluster, too.
Williams won't be in Kansas City.
30. Houston Texans
3 of 32
Arian Foster was the breakout player of the 2010 NFL season, and is currently considered to be one of the league's best.
However, most people forget about Ben Tate, a rookie who was lost for the season during the 2010 preseason.
Steve Slaton is still on the roster too, but he's not very useful besides kickoffs.
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29. Tennessee Titans
4 of 32
Chris Johnson vowed to run for 2,500 yards in 2010, and although he finished well short, he had a great season.
The NFL hasn't seen a running back as fast as Johnson in a long time, and he's only 25 years old.
Javon Ringer, Tennessee's backup is also serviceable, which leaves no room for another running back on the roster. Right now, a solid running game is about the only thing the Titans have going for them.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Maurice Jones-Drew is another one of the league's top runners. The Jaguars have Rashad Jennings, too.
The Jaguars never had two prolific running backs in the backfield at once, so they won't change things now. Also, with the quarterback situation up in the air, the team would most likely pursue Carson Palmer or Donovan McNabb.
Jones-Drew is still well into his prime, so Williams won't be a Jaguar next season.
27. Atlanta Falcons
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The Falcons have a perfect mix of speed and power at the running back position, with depth, too.
Michael Turner is still one of the league's best, and backup Jason Snelling has quietly become a great receiver out of the backfield.
Questions remain of whether Jerious Norwood will be in Atlanta next season, but if he is, there's no room for anyone else. Atlanta's entire offense is loaded, they don't need anymore help.
26. Baltimore Ravens
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Ray Rice has the potential to be the most complete running back in the NFL someday, since he catches the ball so well.
Aside from Rice, Willis McGahee has been a staple in Baltimore's backfield, and often times splits carries with him. There's also stud full back Le'Ron McClain to run the ball on the goal line, so the Ravens have a man for every role.
DeAngelo Williams is faster than every Ravens running back, but the position is not something to worry about for John Harbaugh.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers
8 of 32
Rashard Mendenhall really broke out in 2010, as he carried the team during Ben Roethlisberger's suspension. He is slowly rising to elite status in the NFL.
With Mewelde Moore and Isaac Redman also assisting Mendenhall, the workhorse, the Steelers won't bring anyone else in.
The Rooney family doesn't bring in big contracts very often, and they have a great thing going in Pittsburgh right now. However, cornerback, not running back, is the biggest of their worries.
24. Philadelphia Eagles
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The Eagles have arguably the fastest and best offense in the NFL.
With speed at every position, and LeSean McCoy being one of the most exciting running backs in the league, why fix what's not broken?
McCoy is still going through the NFL learning process, but he showed how complete his skill set really is last season.
DeAngelo Williams would only make this offense more exciting, but he wants a full workload, and big money. He won't get either of those in Philadelphia.
23. San Diego Chargers
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Although Ryan Mathews struggled as a rookie in 2010, Mike Tolbert emerged as a key piece for the Chargers.
Mathews is the future of San Diego's backfield, but with Tolbert and possibly Darren Sproles coming back, DeAngelo Williams isn't needed.
Norv Turner hasn't done a great job giving superstar running backs more carries either (Tomlinson is his final years).
22. Dallas Cowboys
11 of 32
Jerry Jones has the money to sign DeAngelo Williams, but why bring him in if you're planning to make room for Felix Jones?
Marion Barber probably won't be with Dallas in 2011, and although it may seem logical to bring Williams in, the Cowboys have Tashard Choice as well.
Williams' style is very similar to Jones' (Felix) anyways.
21. Detroit Lions
12 of 32
Head coach Jim Schwartz is in love with young running back Jahvid Best. He suffered from a horrible turf toe injury in 2010, but showed flashes of greatness and blazing speed.
Detroit's offense is very young and on the rise, but they only need to fix the offensive line. Detroit has big plans for Best, and would probably rather spend the money on the defensive secondary instead of DeAngelo Williams.
Kevin Smith is struggling, but he's still the No. 2 running back for the Lions, too.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
13 of 32
LeGarrette Blunt found a home as a rookie with Tampa Bay last season. After coming into the league with an uncertain future surrounded by personal problems, Blunt put his act together and ran very well.
Tampa Bay is very young and exciting to watch. With Carnell Williams and Ernest Graham also taking some carries away from Blunt, the Buccaneers don't need anymore running back help.
There won't be any room for DeAngelo Williams if he wants a heavy work load either.
19. Chicago Bears
14 of 32
After an extremely inconsistent 2009 season, Forte exploded again in 2010. He has the ability to rack up receiving yards, and although Forte isn't the most explosive runner, the Bears have Chester Taylor, too.
Chicago could use a big-name receiver before they sign another running back, so DeAngelo Williams isn't a likely signing for them.
Mike Martz would turn Williams into a great pass catcher, but it looks like the door is closed for Williams in Chicago.
18. Carolina Panthers
15 of 32
DeAngelo Williams hasn't played anywhere else in his career besides Carolina.
Obviously, the team isn't built to contend for at least the next two or three years, and Williams wants big money.
With Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson handling the running load for Carolina, they won't offer Williams his desired paycheck. If Stewart can actually stay healthy, the Panthers won't regret letting Williams go.
17. Cleveland Browns
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Mike Holmgren won't dish out the big cash for a position that's already solidified.
Most people say that Peyton Hillis was ran to the ground last season, but they must remember that Montario Hardesty will probably be healthy.
The Browns are team who could be heading for the playoffs in the next two seasons, but wide receiver and defensive line are the team's biggest needs.
Williams would bring some spark to Cleveland, but he's not needed.
16. St. Louis Rams
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Steven Jackson has said time and time again that he wants 300+ carries every season. Jackson hasn't been healthy the last couple seasons, but he plays anyways.
The Rams are in desperate need of a backup running back, but Williams will want more carries than 10 per game.
Jackson is wearing down quickly, but the Rams won't pull the trigger on Williams. There's too many holes in the rest of the team.
15. New York Jets
18 of 32
The Jets have become a team who's willing to spend money on key free agents, but they don't need anymore running backs.
Although Tomlinson and Greene aren't the most affective options, New York's offensive line is phenomenal.
The Jets are in desperate need of re-signing their wide receivers, so Williams won't be a topic of interest for Rex Ryan and company.
14. Oakland Raiders
19 of 32
Darren McFadden finally exploded on to the scene in 2010, but you can't ever put signing DeAngelo Williams past Al Davis.
Williams obviously isn't a need for the Raiders, but when Davis finds speed, he can't resist.
In the end, Williams probably won't be in Oakland, but there's always a decent chance.
13. Denver Broncos
20 of 32
Knowshon Moreno has emerged into a great running back for Denver. If the Broncos decide to go with a thunder and lighting approach, Williams might be an interesting option.
John Elway might want to go a different direction with the team, especially if Kyle Orton doesn't return and the passing game is depleted.
Buckhalter is still an option in Denver, but Elway might strip the team.
12. Cincinnati Bengals
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The Bengals are a mess right now. Marvin Lewis was re-signed, but he's on bad terms with both Carson Palmer and Chad Johnson.
Cedric Benson didn't rebound well from a great 2009 season, but if he remains with the team in 2011, he'll keep the starting job.
If the Bengals choose to let Benson go, DeAngelo Williams would be an interesting option for a team built around offense. If Cincinnati drafts a rookie quarterback, Williams would make his job easier.
Still, don't bet on this signing.
11. Buffalo Bills
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The Bills are trying their best to make room for C.J. Spiller. Fred Jackson is also still extremely effective in the passing game.
However, the Bills can use Williams to split carries with Jackson, while Spiller is used in special packages and assumes kick/punt return duties.
Williams probably won't want to play in a small market like Buffalo, but he'd be an interesting replacement for Marshawn Lynch.
10. New York Giants
23 of 32
Now, we can get into some serious options for DeAngelo Williams.
In New York, Ahmad Bradshaw is currently a free agent. He was fantastic in 2010, but if he's not resigned, the Giants might make room for Williams.
Brandon Jacobs is no longer capable of assuming full-time duties because of injuries, and Williams would thrive with the New York's strong passing game. Having Nicks and Smith won't allow opposing defenses to load the box against Williams.
He's a speedster, which is something the Giants could definitely use.
9. Seattle Seahawks
24 of 32
Does Pete Carroll believe in Marshawn Lynch? He had a monster game against New Orleans in the 2010 playoffs, but he must perform better as a permanent starter.
Seattle also has the dangerous Leon Washington, but at this point he can't run the ball too much since he returns kicks.
Neither of these guys are solid options, but DeAngelo Williams would really strengthen the running game.
8. Arizona Cardinals
25 of 32
The Cardinals also have the presence of two running backs already in the backfield.
Chris Wells continues to struggle with injuries, while Tim Hightower is nothing more than a decent receiver and blocker.
Arizona had a disappointing running game last season, and DeAngelo Williams would propel it in the right direction. However, without a decent quarterback, the running game will be predictable.
7. New England Patriots
26 of 32
The majority of the football world probably thought New England's running game wouldn't produce in 2010, but it did very well.
Green-Ellis and Woodhead were phenomenal, and complimented each other extremely well. Both guys are workhorses, but one has to question whether or not the Patriots' running game can be even better.
It can. DeAngelo Williams would give Tom Brady a speed back that he hasn't ever had with the Patriots. If the offensive line stays intact, New England can possibly have the best offense in the NFL next season.
The only problem is, Robert Kraft doesn't like to pay.
6. San Francisco 49ers
27 of 32
For San Francisco, Frank Gore's injury problems must be unbelievably frustrating.
Gore might be out of his prime sooner than we think, which is why signing DeAngelo Williams would be a good idea. The tandem of Gore and Williams would be trouble for the rest of the NFC West, and with a solid quarterback, the 49ers would be a playoff team.
The 49ers would have Williams to step in immediately if Gore gets hurt. Brian Westbrook wouldn't be with San Francisco if they sign Williams either.
It's a good idea.
5. Indianapolis Colts
28 of 32
It's about time Bill Polian wakes up and makes a big free agent signing.
Chances are Joseph Addai won't be with the Colts in 2011, and they've also fired the running backs coach.
DeAngelo Williams would make life so much better for Peyton Manning, especially if the Colts bolster the offensive line through the draft.
The added speed from Williams would make this offense scary good, and Manning won't have to do everything anymore. Signing Williams is a fantastic idea for Indianapolis.
4. New Orleans Saints
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Pierre Thomas continues to battle injuries, and Reggie Bush is more of a receiver than a running back.
New Orleans could use DeAngelo Williams, especially because Drew Brees has already mastered the passing game. Williams knows the NFC South defenses, too.
Williams would provide the team with even more speed to go along with Bush and receiver Robert Meachem.
The Saints need healthy running backs, which is the main reason to sign Williams.
3. Green Bay Packers
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The Packers didn't go get Marshawn Lynch when they could have in 2010, but it all worked out fine.
Still, is an injury-prone Ryan Grant and an unproven James Starks enough to keep the running game formidable?
Williams would take the Packers offense to a whole new level, especially since Aaron Rodgers is now elite. Since they're already the favorites to come out of the NFC again, Williams gives them a chance to possibly win 13 or 14 games.
He would be ridiculously good with Green Bay.
2. Washington Redskins
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The Redskins are always willing to spend the big bucks, and they currently don't have a starting running back.
Clinton Portis has been released, and Ryan Torain can't seem to avoid nagging injuries.
Head coach Mike Shanahan always had a great running game in Denver, and it would continue in Washington. The Redskins need a quarterback though, or Williams will struggle.
For some reason, Washington is a popular destination for free agents. The team always has talent, but never puts it together. Williams will definitely consider the Redskins, especially with cash on the table.
1. Miami Dolphins
32 of 32
Ronnie Brown continues to be less effective as the years progress, and Ricky Williams is clearly out of his prime.
The Dolphins need to find a solid quarterback, but signing Williams would almost guarantee that the tradition of a solid running game continues in Miami.
The Dolphins already have a star in receiver Brandon Marshall on the offense, and Williams would make his job easier, too.
Miami should very much consider adding Williams, since they have had much speed in the backfield recently. The Wildcat offense would execute much nicer with Williams.
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