Seahawks waive Jesse Williams; A.J. Francis signs ERFA tender

Mar 8, 2016, 3:21 PM | Updated: 3:26 pm

Jesse Williams had surgery last May to remove a cancerous kidney. (AP)

(AP)

Former Seattle Sports Lead Editor

The Seahawks have waived defensive tackle Jesse Williams, whose list of career setbacks includes a bout with cancer that sidelined him for the 2015 season.

Williams, a fifth-round pick in 2013, missed his first two seasons with knee injuries then was diagnosed last May with papillary type 2 cancer. He had surgery to remove a cancerous kidney a few weeks later then – remarkably – returned to practice in August. Williams played in all four preseason games as he competed for a spot in Seattle’s defensive-line rotation, but the Seahawks placed him on the Reserve/Non-Football Illness list, where he spent all of last season.

Williams was an exclusive-rights free agent. He will become an unrestricted free agent if he clears waivers.

Also on Tuesday, defensive tackle A.J. Francis tweeted that he has signed his exclusive-rights tender. That tender is reportedly worth $600,000.

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