The Situation
Veteran interior offensive lineman Connor Williams is expected to sign with a team before the 2024 season. Williams has previously played for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Miami Dolphins, and he is currently in discussions with multiple teams. ESPN has reported these ongoing talks.
Williams suffered a season-ending ACL injury in Week 14 of the 2023 season but is expected to be ready for Week 1 of the upcoming season. Last season, Williams participated in nine games for the Dolphins before his injury. Selected as the 50th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Williams started 10 games for the Cowboys at left guard in his rookie year, playing a critical role in helping the Cowboys secure a playoff berth and aiding Ezekiel Elliott in winning his second rushing title. Unfortunately, Williams suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2019 as well.
Despite these setbacks, Williams made a successful return in 2020, playing in all 16 regular-season games for the Cowboys. In 2021, he allowed the fewest pressures of any Cowboys lineman, solidifying his reputation as a reliable force on the offensive line. In 2022, Williams tested the open market and signed a two-year deal with the Dolphins. He started in each of his 26 games for Miami before his recent ACL injury.
Interest from Multiple Teams
A number of teams are interested in Williams due to his experience and anticipated readiness for the upcoming season. Here are a few potential landing spots:
Philadelphia Eagles
Following the retirement of Jason Kelce this offseason, the Eagles have a glaring need for a solid interior lineman. Cam Jurgens is seen as a potential replacement, but bringing in Williams could provide valuable competition for the starting center position. Williams' presence would be a significant boost given Philadelphia's rigorous offensive line demands.
New York Jets
The Jets' primary goal is to protect their star quarterback, Aaron Rodgers. The addition of a veteran like Williams would add much-needed stability to their offensive line, especially considering the back-to-back season-ending injuries to starting interior lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker. However, financial considerations may make this a less likely scenario for the Jets.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers already have a solid offensive line, but adding Williams could further fortify their ranks. Head Coach Jim Harbaugh’s affinity for offensive linemen makes Los Angeles a potential landing spot. Williams' experience in protecting franchise quarterbacks suggests he would adapt well to guarding Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert.
New York Giants
The Giants' offensive line struggled mightily last season, allowing a staggering 85 sacks. Adding Williams could provide a much-needed improvement in the Giants' pass protection. Williams surrendered just one sack in 497 snaps prior to his recent injury, demonstrating his capability as a reliable protector.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are focused on ensuring their offensive line can safeguard rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Adding a versatile and experienced player like Connor Williams would provide vital depth and resilience to Chicago's front line. This move would improve the Bears' chances of keeping their prized asset healthy throughout the season.
Conclusion
As Connor Williams prepares to make a comeback from his ACL injury, multiple teams are vying for his services. His proven track record as a reliable and efficient offensive lineman makes him a valuable asset for any team's line-up. Whether it's the Eagles, Jets, Chargers, Giants, or Bears, Williams will likely find himself in a position to make a significant impact in the 2024 season. His experience and readiness could turn the tide for any franchise looking to bolster their offensive line.