Buffalo Bills have inked a one-year contract with veteran defensive tackle DeShawn Williams, bolstering their interior defensive line at One Bills Drive. Williams, who joins the Bills after a stint with the Carolina Panthers, brings with him valuable experience and versatility.
Ryan Talbot was the first to report Williams’ imminent signing, highlighting his recent starting experience in the league. The 31-year-old Williams, despite his journeyman status, brings a wealth of professional football experience, initially entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015. After several seasons with the Bengals, Williams had stints with multiple teams’ practice squads before finding his way back to the Broncos’ active roster in 2019 and subsequently making an impact on defense over multiple seasons.
Williams’ standout performance in his final season with the Broncos, particularly his impressive sack count in December, underscores his potential contribution to the Bills’ defense. Despite his age and career span, Williams may carry less wear-and-tear due to his time spent on practice squads. With five NFL seasons under his belt, along with his CFL experience, Williams brings a solid track record to Buffalo, having started in 44 of the 66 games he’s played.
Of note, Williams has prior connections within Buffalo’s defensive line, having been teammates with Von Miller in Denver and sharing a bond with Shaq Lawson from their high school days. While Williams’ precise role within Buffalo’s defensive scheme is yet to be defined, his versatility allows him to adapt to various positions, from defensive end to nose tackle, depending on the team’s defensive alignment.
