NFL Free Agency Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Cadillac Williams

The Cadillac may be going for another test drive.

Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, unrestricted free agent and running back, is the subject of free agency rumors as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted former USC back Allen Bradford in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL draft.

Williams is still high on the Bucs' list as he was an effective third-down back last season, playing primarily behind the emerging LeGarrette Blount.

The fact that the Cadillac is still an effective running back may be a miracle in itself.

Williams tore his left and right patellar tendons in his knees and his career was bound to be placed in a local Tampa impound lot.

However, in 2010, Williams rushed for 437 yards and two touchdowns, with his best game coming against the Cleveland Browns in the Bucs' first game of the year, when he rattled off 75 yards.

Yet, with the arrival of Bradford and the materialization of Blount, is there any room left in the garage for the Cadillac?

He still has some gas in the tank and wants to remain a Buc, but what role will he have on their depth chart?

If head coach Raheem Morris wants to keep his team young and fresh, I’m led to believe that Williams may be allowed to get in the wind.

There are always teams that are in need of a running back, like the Cardinals and Redskins, but are either willing to take a chance on a used vehicle with transmission issues and a lot of miles?

For contingency reasons, the Bucs might be smart to hold on to the seven-year veteran.

Bradford may not work out and there is no guarantee that Blount will continue to play well.

Right now, Tampa has a proven runner who gave them over 400 yards last season with only 125 carries.

Williams is small and likes to absorb contact. Of late, he’s even proven that he can stay healthy. If Tampa has a run of injuries again next season and their running back core is depleted, having Williams on their roster will be a huge plus.

Morris and team GM Mark Dominik still want the Cadillac on the team’s roster, and with the NFL lockout continuing, Williams might not have a choice but to take what the team offer.

For his sake, Tampa Bay may be the only team that's willing to get behind a player who's had two career-threatening knee injuries.