Seahawks reach deal with DT Kevin Williams
Jun 12, 2014, 3:22 PM | Updated: Jul 14, 2014, 10:06 am
BY
Former Seattle Sports Lead Editor
RENTON – The Seahawks have added to an already-deep defensive-line rotation, agreeing to terms with Kevin Williams on a one-year deal that according to ESPN’s Ed Werder has a maximum value that could exceed $2 million.
The 33-year-old defensive tackle has spent all of his 11 seasons with the Vikings, who drafted him in the first round in 2003. His resume includes six Pro Bowls, five first-team All-Pro selections and 60 sacks, including 3.5 in 15 games last season. Perhaps most impressive has been his durability, Williams missing only five starts during his career.
Williams was a free agent after playing the final season of a seven-year deal with the Vikings, and it’s easy to see why he chose Seattle based on comments he made earlier this week during an appearance on Sirius XM NFL Radio.
“My main criteria has really been having a chance to win and playing with a proven quarterback,” Williams said. “Those things are huge when you get older. You want to have that chance to get in the dance and just be there to have a chance at the end of the season.”
Less clear is what role Williams will have with Seattle. The Seahawks are returning both of their starting defensive tackles from last season – Brandon Mebane and Tony McDaniel – while backups Jesse Williams and Jordan Hill are healthy after injury-plagued rookie seasons. Seattle spent a fifth-round pick on another defensive tackle, Jimmy Staten.
Williams told Sirius that he’s open to being a rotational player at this stage of his career.
“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.
Follow Brady Henderson on Twitter @BradyHenderson.
