Tag: Williams

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) talks to principal owner and chair Sheila Ford Hamp, right, and her husband Steve Hamp before the game between Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Lions exercise options on Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Detroit Lions exercised their fifth-year options on defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams on Friday.

Also on Friday, the Dallas Cowboys picked up the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Tyler Smith.

Hutchinson, the second overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, is in line to pocket $19.872 million, while Williams is set to take home $15.493 million. The wideout was selected by the Lions with the 12th overall pick of the same draft.

Hutchinson, 24, has provided a massive presence on defense in Detroit while also earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.

He recorded 28.5 sacks in 39 games (all starts) before sustaining a fractured tibia and fibula in the third quarter of a 47-9 road victory against the Cowboys on Oct. 13.

Williams, 24, hauled in 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) in 2024. He has 10 touchdowns in 33 career games (21 starts).

Smith, 24, will receive $23.4 million in 2026. He has started all 47 games in which he has played and been selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his first three years since being selected by the Cowboys with the 24th pick in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Jan 5, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) reacts after a play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Saints release underachieving RB Jamaal Williams

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New Orleans Saints released running back Jamaal Williams on Tuesday, reportedly clearing $1.59 million in salary cap space.

Williams signed a three-year, $12 million deal with the Saints after having a career season with the Detroit Lions in 2022.

But his production was meager in 27 games (five starts) with New Orleans. Williams had just 470 rushing yards and two touchdowns and caught 27 passes for 119 yards.

Last season, Williams had 164 yards and one touchdown on the ground and nine receptions for 57 yards in 14 games (one start).

In 2022, Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and an NFL-high 17 rushing touchdowns with the Lions before becoming a free agent.

Williams, who turns 30 next month, has rushed for 4,122 yards and 32 touchdowns and caught 187 passes for 1,310 yards and eight TDs in 117 games (45 starts) with the Green Bay Packers (2017-20), Lions (2021-22) and Saints.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) throws a pass against the Seattle Seahawks in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Injuries pile up, 49ers uncertain QB Brock Purdy can return Sunday

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was limited with the right shoulder injury that sidelined him last week and there is growing concern about the long-term status of left tackle Trent Williams.

Wednesday’s practice was not the start to the NFL workweek head coach Kyle Shanahan had hoped after Purdy was unable to bounce back from a shoulder injury in Week 11. Brandon Allen started at Green Bay and the 49ers (5-6) lost 38-10 with the backup-turned-starter committing three turnovers.

Williams was reportedly spotted in the locker room with a knee scooter and is experiencing pain walking. He played through an ankle injury against the Seattle Seahawks Nov. 17.

Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) also missed practice Wednesday, leaving the 49ers to spend the holiday plotting to play the Buffalo Bills (9-2) without the three Pro Bowlers again.

“I don’t know anyone who gets Thanksgiving off unless maybe you have a Monday night game. You just start a lot earlier and get the players out,” Shanahan said. “We cram everything in so the players get out, tries to be home with the family by 5. I usually get home by 7 and they’re all mad at me, then get back to red-zone (installation).”

The 49ers are in danger of a three-game losing streak for the first time since Oct. 2021.

Injuries have been a common thread since September when running back Christian McCaffrey was a surprise scratch with an Achilles injury for the opener. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (ACL) is out for the season at a position dinged from top to bottom.

Star linebacker Fred Warner also is ailing and said Wednesday that he fractured a bone in his ankle on Sept. 29 against the New England Patriots. The game against the Bills will mark his eighth straight game playing with the injury.

“It’s something I deal with every game,” Warner said. “I get on that table before every game and get it shot up every single game just to be able to roll. But it’s not an excuse. It’s just what it is. That’s the NFL. You’re not going to be healthy. You’ve got to go out there, you’ve got to find ways to execute, to play at a high level and to win every single week.”

Shanahan wasn’t interested in injury talk. He said the 49ers have not played well in the past two weeks, and puts part of his focus on getting more out of the running game with snow in the forecast on Sunday night.

He’s not in agreement with pundits who doubt McCaffrey’s ability early into his return from injured reserve, with a per-carry average of 3.5 yards compared to 5.4 in 2023.

“The speculation on Christian is a little unfair to him,” Shanahan said. “Christian is playing very well. He’s playing his ass off. To think a guy who misses the entire offseason is going to come back and be the exact same the day he comes back would be unfair to any player in the world.”

San Francisco opened the 21-day practice window for linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who tore his Achilles in the Super Bowl in February. His return date is unclear.

–Field Level Media

Nov 17, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Thomas Brown looks on before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Thomas Brown, Bears deepen detail to boost QB Caleb Williams

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A stickler for details, Thomas Brown wants to rebuild Caleb Williams’ confidence through a simplification of the Chicago Bears’ offensive scheme.

Brown, promoted to offensive coordinator last week after Shane Waldron was fired, found some success last Sunday when Williams drove the Bears into position for a game-winning field goal that was blocked in a 20-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

What showed up on film when Williams and Brown huddled to review Week 11 was a tad different from the on-field results.

Williams — the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft still feeling his way through the gradual progression of a franchise quarterback — said the “simplified” offense isn’t one that was whittled down to aid understanding. Rather, Brown brought such a finite degree of detail and thought to each play that his call sheet eventually will become a reference point with tens of dozens of subcontext for Williams to sort in real time.

“We didn’t reinvent the wheel for those three or four days that Thomas became the offensive coordinator and play caller,” Williams said. “I think the decisiveness, all of that came from our meetings and how we’re going to do things. It came from being able to get play calls in faster and being able to get up there and not feel like you’re rushed or not feel like you need to hurry up and get the ball snapped.

“All of these small things — details of routes, details of the blocking, details of the path of running backs and how we’re going to do things — I think that led into all of what happened last week. We didn’t come out with the win, but how we played efficiently and physically, that leads into it.”

Fellow rookie and top-10 pick Rome Odunze felt like he was back at Washington for moments because of the rapidity with which Brown got calls to Williams, who relayed them to the huddle and hurried the team to the line of scrimmage with a newfound command.

There was a different type of clarity and confidence eminating from Brown down through the offensive chain of command on the field.

“As wide receivers, we’re kind of looking at the defense as well and reading those things along with Caleb. So understanding what kind of coverage look we’re getting and what technique the DBs are playing on us allows us to kind of build a plan for that snap. Same thing with Caleb,” Odunze said. “He just has to do it at a higher level. So it helps us all.”

Veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen said that in hindsight, the wheels started coming off for the Bears in training camp. In his opinion, Waldron was “too nice,” and he allowed mistakes and lack of detail and focus to become accepted.

“That’s football and that’s life,” Odunze said. “Doing the little things right will eventually show on a bigger stage.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks center Connor Williams (57) prepares to snap the ball during the fourth quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Seahawks C Connor Williams retires, WR DK Metcalf set to return

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Seahawks center Connor Williams abruptly retired earlier this week, Seattle coach Mike Macdonald told reporters on Friday.

Williams retired due to personal reasons, and Macdonald said he doesn’t expect the 27-year-old to change his mind.

“I don’t believe so,” Macdonald said. “We’re honoring his wishes, and we’ll keep all those reasons and conversations private for obvious reasons and wish him the best.”

Macdonald said Williams’ decision-making process was unrelated to the season-ending ACL injury he sustained as a member of the Miami Dolphins in 2023.

“It’s been a process throughout the week,” Macdonald said.

Macdonald said that second-year pro Olu Oluwatimi will start at center against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

“He’s a guy that’s been knocking on the door for a while,” Macdonald said. “Obviously it’s an unforeseen circumstance that you’ve kind of got to take on head-on, but the silver lining in the whole thing is we get to see Olu go do his thing. This guy has been working really hard.”

Williams started all nine of Seattle’s games this season. Overall, he started 86 of 92 games played over seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys (2018-21), Dolphins (2022-23) and Seahawks.

Also, star receiver DK Metcalf (knee) will be back after a two-game absence. Metcalf was not given an injury status on Friday.

The two-time Pro Bowl pick has 35 receptions for 568 yards and three touchdowns in seven games this season.

“Excited to have DK back. He’s ready to go,” Macdonald said. “Of course we’re fired up to see DK out there. He’s practicing great. Excited to see him go do his thing.”

Right tackle Abraham Lucas (knee) will be available to play for the first time this season. He underwent surgery in January.

Seattle also ruled out tight ends Noah Fant (groin) and Brady Russell (foot).

–Field Level Media

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) reacts with head coach Matt Eberflus following the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sliding Bears vow ‘changes, adjustments’ but back QB Caleb Williams

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For a third consecutive week, Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus showed up at Halas Hall on a Monday with a tone of frustration or plans for changes to spark the offense.

But Eberflus maintained on Monday that moving rookie No. 1 pick Caleb Williams out of the starting lineup is not one of the many changes he’s considering as the Bears shift their attention to the Green Bay Packers.

“Caleb is our starter,” Eberflus said, but declared an evaluation of the process of almost everything the team does offensively would be evaluated on Monday.

“There’s got to be a change and adjustment,” Eberflus said. “There’s also the sight that we’re 4-5, we haven’t played our division yet. … We’re in the process of getting (that evaluation) done. There will be changes and adjustments being made.”

Williams and the Bears were dominated by the New England Patriots (3-7) on Sunday, Chicago’s third consecutive loss, and head into Week 11 with a run of 23 consecutive possessions without a touchdown. The Bears scored three points against the Patriots, one week after putting up nine points at Arizona, and were held under 17 points for the fifth time this season. New England sacked Williams nine times one week after the Cardinals posted six sacks against Chicago.

Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron received a vote of confidence coming out of the loss to Arizona. But Eberflus didn’t guarantee Waldron would be calling plays when the Bears host the Packers (6-3) this Sunday.

“The process of that, we’re going through that right now. All those adjustments and changes and things that we’re gonna do, we’re still in the evaluation phase of that,” Eberflus said.

Eberflus, 14-29 since he was hired in 2022, is 0-4 against the Packers. His only win against the NFC North to date was 12-10 at Minnesota last season.

Williams threw four touchdown passes in a Week 6 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London and none in the three games since the bye week. He’s on pace to be sacked more than 70 times, and the Bears were 1 of 14 on third down against the Patriots, producing 142 total yards and 2.4 yards per play. Williams had 69 net passing yards when the 51 yards lost on New England’s quarterback sacks were eliminated.

Multiple questions were directed to Eberflus on Monday about whether Waldron would call plays and even remain on his coaching staff. Waldron was selected from a pool of candidates to replace Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator. He was previously with the Seattle Seahawks from 2021-23.

“It’s important that we’re using all the people in the building on the coaching staff, getting all the input, putting our minds together to come up with the best answer,” Eberflus said. “That’s where we are right now. We’ve got to look at that this afternoon as well.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams (18) celebrates a first down reception during the second half against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Reports: Steelers acquire WR Mike Williams from Jets

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are acquiring New York Jets wide receiver Mike Williams in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft pick, multiple outlets reported ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline.

Williams, 30, has played in all nine games (three starts) in his first season with the Jets but has only 12 catches for 166 yards and zero touchdowns.

In three games since the Jets added wide receiver Davante Adams in a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 15, Williams has caught two of four targets for 21 yards.

Williams signed a one-year, $10 million deal with New York in March following seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers.

A first-round pick (seventh overall) in 2017, Williams caught 309 passes for 4,806 yards and 31 TDs in 88 games (62 starts) with the Chargers.

The Steelers (6-2) have been looking for receiving help since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in the offseason. Other than George Pickens, who has 35 catches for 548 yards, no wideout on the Pittsburgh roster has more than 14 catches.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) celebrates with fans after the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Lions back WR Jameson Williams with suspension looming

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Days after ESPN reported Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams faces a two-game suspension, he practiced on Wednesday with Detroit preparing to welcome the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

The NFL has not confirmed the suspension of Williams for reportedly testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs.

“I’m not supposed to really talk about it,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said Wednesday.

That is because the window for appealing PED bans from the league remains open, and Williams can continue participating in team activities and working out at the facility.

“He’s here. He’s helping,” Campbell said.

Campbell didn’t mince words about his trust level in Williams, who will have a place when he gets back.

“I trust this kid,” Campbell said. “I trust him. Unfortunately, you’ve got to pay for your sins. Something happens, and if this comes down, so be it. But I know this, we dangled a rope down on the way up. We can’t wait for anybody. Over a year ago, he started climbing his way up, and he got to us. Maybe he lost his grip, but he’ll climb back up again. That rope is still there. It’s tied to us, and he’ll be just fine. He’s part of this team, and I trust him.”

The 23-year-old served a four-game suspension in 2023 for using a mobile device to bet on non-NFL games while at a team facility.

Williams was originally suspended six games for gambling, but two games were trimmed due to a rule change by the league.

Williams appeared to confirm the latest suspension to ESPN on Monday. He said he has “no choice but to take it on the chin. I’m in good spirits just ready to get back with (my) brothers ASAP,” in a text message to the network.

Williams has 17 receptions for 361 yards and three touchdowns through six games (four starts) this season.

–Field Level Media

Oct 6, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Bears GM: Rookie QB Caleb Williams ‘right where he should be’

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By Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ measurement, No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is precisely where he should be five games into his NFL career.

Williams has five touchdowns, four interceptions and three wins as the Bears land in London to square off with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) on Sunday.

Poles said Wednesday that Williams is “right where he should be and continuing to get better” with the Bears gunning for three consecutive wins for the first time since December 2020, which included a victory over the Jaguars.

“You’ve seen that in terms of the efficiency, protecting the football, taking what (defenses have) given to him,” Poles said. “And then going into this last game, now explosives are starting to show up. So I really like his progress. I love the work ethic and the time that he’s put into it … the grit and toughness, the ability to bounce back from tough games.”

Williams is 24th in the NFL in completion percentage and has been sacked 17 times. However, Jacksonville’s pass defense is being torched consistently, allowing 956 passing yards, nine touchdowns and a completion percentage over 73 percent the past three weeks.

The Bears decided to depart for their international game on Monday night after head coach Matt Eberflus personally experienced the jet lag common from flying to Europe last summer on a trip to Italy. He said the Bears conducted two walkthrough workouts on Wednesday while they adjust to the time change in London. They plan to resume a normal work week on Thursday.

Wide receiver DJ Moore stressed the up-tempo pace the Bears are utilizing to make defenses uncomfortable has helped simplify some elements of the offense for Williams and the receivers.

He said the early arrival helped free him for a food tour and will benefit the Bears feeling ready to go on Sunday.

“Getting a win out here and going on a bye week happy is a must,” Moore said. “Back-to-back wins, just to stack those wins, keep that going for the rest of the year.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) huddles with teammates in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Broncos stand behind rookie QB, put RBs on alert

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Broncos head coach Sean Payton wants to see improvement from rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but he’s far more concerned with the impact of Denver’s flat-lined running game.

Javonte Williams is averaging 2.1 yards per carry, with 40 yards on 19 carries and zero gains longer than nine yards, as the Broncos started the season 0-2. Payton said it’s on the coaches and offensive line to a certain extent, but put Williams on notice entering Week 3.

“I saw it in training camp,” Payton said of Williams finding his groove. “I look forward to seeing it this season. In the meantime, some of these other guys are doing a good job. (RB) Jaleel [McLaughlin] is another one that needs more touches. We talked about (RB) Tyler Badie. You’re patient, and yet at some point — and it starts up front obviously — you want to see those runs.”

Badie had one carry for 16 yards Sunday in the loss to the Steelers. He could be a more significant factor soon. Payton said it’s his responsibility to find Badie touches.

“It’s something as a play caller, as someone who’s looking at the game, I’ve got to be able to see that,” Payton said of Badie’s one splash play Sunday. “He is a player though who had his name on a lot of different plays that either were red zone or situational plays that we weren’t able to get to. It’s not intentional. It’s not like, ‘Hey we’re not aware.’ You’re just into the flow of the game and you have to be better that way.”

Payton said Nix, who has four interceptions and a 51.0 passer rating, processed the game well against Pittsburgh, even if the results — including an ill-advised red zone throw that was intercepted — don’t make his growth evident.

“A couple of things you see on tape. You see early on us struggle inside which forces him out of the pocket. Then you do see later in the second half, a cleaner pocket and then him hurry it,” Payton said. “It’s developing the confidence of climbing, developing the confidence within the framework of your protection. He does have a good pocket presence for the most part. He’s not someone that’s just going to look to take off and look to scramble. So we’ve got to build on that and make sure it kind of begins with that, relative to the design of what you’re trying to do in the drop-back passing game.”

–Field Level Media