Connor Williams, a seasoned interior offensive lineman who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins, is currently in discussions with multiple teams as he looks to secure a new team before the upcoming season. Williams, who faced a season-ending ACL injury in Week 14 of the 2023 season, is on track to be ready for Week 1. Despite the injury setback, Williams played in nine games last season for the Dolphins.
Selected as the 50th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Williams began his NFL career by starting 10 games for Dallas at left guard in 2018. His exceptional blocking skills contributed to the Cowboys clinching a playoff spot and Ezekiel Elliott securing his second rushing title. Although he suffered another ACL injury in 2019, Williams made a comeback in 2020, playing in all 16 regular-season games for the Cowboys.
Despite his impressive performance in the 2021 season, where he allowed the fewest pressures among Cowboys linemen, Williams was given the opportunity to explore free agency in 2022. He eventually signed a two-year contract with the Dolphins, where he started in all 26 games.
Considering Williams’ experience and the news of his expected readiness by Week 1, it comes as no surprise that he is attracting interest from multiple teams. Let’s take a look at some of the potential landing spots for the 27-year-old lineman.
Philadelphia Eagles: With the retirement of Jason Kelce, a renowned center, the Eagles are in need of a reliable replacement. While Cam Jurgens may step up, adding Williams to the mix would bring in a proven veteran who could compete for the starting center position.
New York Jets: Protecting their veteran quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, is a top priority for the Jets. Adding a seasoned player like Williams to their offensive line would be a sensible move, especially with the injury concerns surrounding Alijah Vera-Tucker.
Los Angeles Chargers: Despite having a strong offensive line, the Chargers could benefit from Williams’ expertise, especially with Head Coach Jim Harbaugh’s emphasis on quality linemen. Williams’ experience in blocking for top quarterbacks could make him a valuable addition to protect Justin Herbert.
New York Giants: The Giants struggled with their offensive line last season, allowing a league-high 85 sacks. Bringing in Williams, who only allowed one sack in 497 snaps before his injury last season, could significantly improve their protection for the quarterback.
Chicago Bears: Similar to the Jets, the Bears’ priority is to keep their top draft pick, Caleb Williams, healthy and productive. Acquiring a player of Williams’ caliber would not only provide depth and versatility to the offensive line but also contribute to the overall goal of protecting their key player.
As Williams continues his discussions with multiple teams, it remains to be seen which franchise will secure his services for the upcoming season. His experience, skill set, and proven track record make him a valuable asset for any team looking to strengthen their offensive line.