Categories: 3.1 Free Agency General News Poll Of The Week
| On 10 years ago

POLL OF THE WEEK: A Return Of Kevin Williams

By Adam Warwas

Not too long ago I put life-long Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams on my list of the best remaining free agents for this team to target.  Williams appeared on air waves this week claiming that it might just be a real possibility.

“They might be trying to ease back in the picture,” he said of recent contact with the Vikings.  “We’ll know more maybe as the week goes on.”

Williams recently visited with the Patriots where he would presumably be part of a defensive line rotation, as he likely would be with the Vikings.  Williams has previously discussed a hesitance about playing a reserve role or even playing as a nose tackle, but when one is unemployed in June it is a sign that you are likely going to have to make some concessions or start looking for a life outside of the NFL.

These are facts and Williams is facing those facts, as evidenced by his changing tune.

“I think I still have some juice in the tank and to be in a nice rotation, it would maximize both for me and whatever team I’m with to both get the best from it,” he said.

Williams expressed that he would prefer to play for a contender with a proven quarterback and it isn’t clear if he views the Vikings as a team that fits the bill.  The Patriots certainly do. He has also been rumored to have drawn some interest from the Seahawks and Giants.

So, what do you think?  Would Williams be of benefit for the Vikings at this point or are you confident enough in their tackle depth to let him mosey on?

 

Adam Warwas

Adam Warwas (Founder) has been writing about the Vikings for a total of eight years. Five of those years have been here at Vikings Territory where he continues to surround himself with enough talented individuals that people keep coming back. As proud as he is of what Vikings Territory has become, his real treasures are in his home... a beautiful wife and three amazing children (and a dog named Percy).

Tags: kevin williams

View Comments

  • I love me some K. Will. I'm probably speaking with my heart, but I hope he comes back. Spielman seems to be able to see when a (Viking) veteran has run out of gas, so Speilman should know what Kevin has left in the tank. I'd like him back; I'm sentimental though. I can remember when a team would basically trot out the same roster for a decade, and it wasn't unusual for someone to only play for one team their whole career. Those days are long gone, but I still like it when someone's entire career is spent with the Vikings.

  • He'd certainly be an upgrade over Tom Johnson and could step up in the rotation if Floyd falters or if either Joseph or Evans is injured. Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if he outright won the starting job in the rotation in camp, which is why his contract should include lots of incentives. I have no problem with players sitting on the bench their first year or two or three in the league or gradually working their way into the rotation (see Griffen, Everson).

  • I like KW. Classy guy and still a stud. Some players should be allowed to retire with the team they made their reputation with (wish it had happened for Matt Birk and Antoin Winfield) and hope that happens for KW. He can play both interior positions which would allow the Vikes to get rid of Tom Johnson and Fred Evans (as much as I like him) while giving Shamar Stephen a year to work his way into the rotation rather than risk losing him trying to sneak him onto the practice squad. Then they can sign another young three technique in next years draft. Griffin and Wooten can also play three technique so there would be a lot of flexibility on the line.

    • There's no reason to let go of Evans now since Stephen can spend a year on the practice squad,

  • I understand why we'd want him back, he'd be a great number 3 DT, and Zimmer likes to rotate his DL a lot so Williams would likely see 30-35% of the snaps still.
    The question still is would he want to come back here. The Vikings are much improved and have a shot at the playoffs next season, but let's be realistic here there's no way we beat Seattle or San Francisco right now. Our offense could be stellar if Bridgewater pans out and even becomes a top 15quarterback, but our defense while improved still has a long way to go before taking on Seattle/SF or stopping New Orleans offense. Give it 2 years and we may be there with Zimmer running things but Williams might not have 2 years.
    That said I hope he comes back he's better than the current backups by a long shot.

    • You can say there's no way we beat S.F. or Seattle, but the truth of the matter is in 2012 when the 49ers came to Minnesota the Vikings dominated them, and won easily. The 49ers were like 7 point favorites in that game. Not many people gave us a chance then either, but until the game is played I won't say there's a team we can't beat. Unlikely to beat, yes, no way we'll beat, never; that's why they play the games. SKOL!

      • That's true Tom, but I believe 2012 was the perfect storm for SF. Your right there's always a chance wed be able to beat both of them in the playoffs, but it's not realistic.

  • I'm still not sold on Floyd. Floyd had plenty of opportunity last year and didn't do much. KW should be productive in limited minutes and should start over Floyd in a heavy rotation. Give him plenty of incentives and make Floyd earn a starting slot.