Daryl

Williams

The move saves Buffalo $6.3 million against the cap. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports it is possible the Bills and Williams reunite down the road, but Williams clearly thinks he can do better than whatever pay cut or restructure the Bills offered him before this move. Williams started 17 games for Buffalo last season, splitting his time between right tackle and right guard.

The deal includes nearly $14 million guaranteed. Signed to a one-year prove-it deal following a poor stint with the Panthers last March, Williams emerged as a significant piece of Buffalo’s upgraded o-line in 2020, grading as Pro Football Focus’ No. 22 tackle among 136 qualifiers. It’s the second major deal GM Brandon Beane has struck in the last 48 hours, additionally re-signing LB Matt Milano to a four-year extension. Buffalo will return both its starting tackles for this upcoming season.

It’s yet another ex-Panther/Sean McDermott reunion. 27-year-old Williams started 12 games in Carolina last season but was a liability. He primarily played guard after years at tackle, though he did spend some time on the blindside. He will be versatile depth in Buffalo.

Williams only got in limited OTA work and was held out of minicamp. He missed all but one game last year with a torn MCL, so the Panthers are moving him slowly. Barring a setback, Williams should be cleared for the start of camp.

Williams was limited to one game last season because of a torn MCL and dislocated patella in his right knee. Still dealing with the injury when free agency rolled around, Williams was forced to take a one-year offer to return to Carolina. One of the best right tackles in the league in 2017, Williams is expected to move to left guard this season, although that could change if second-rounder Greg Little is not ready to start at left tackle.

Williams’ market never developed coming off multiple knee issues suffered early last year, and the Panthers benefit by keeping arguably the top right tackle that hit free agency this offseason. Williams is just 26 and was one of the best at his position before the MCL and kneecap injuries. Once a weak spot, Carolina’s offensive line now looks exceptionally strong with Williams, RG Trai Turner, new C Matt Paradis, LG Greg Van Roten, and either Matt Kalil or Taylor Moton at left tackle. Kalil should be cut, but his money is a real sticking point. Moton was great in 2018.

It’s not the first time the Giants have been linked to Williams this offseason as the team continues rebuilding their offensive line. Giants GM Dave Gettleman and OC Mike Shula also have previous connections with Williams from their time together in Carolina. One of the best right tackles in the game when healthy, the 26-year-old would likely be even more coveted in the open market if it weren’t for a torn MCL and dislocated knee cap suffered last season. Recently-acquired RG Kevin Zeitler and Williams would arguably make for the best combination on the right side of any line in the league.

Buffalo, of course, employs GM Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott, who are very familiar with Williams from their days together in Carolina. The G-Men have GM Dave Gettleman and OC Mike Shula in house who have Williams connections from their Panthers time. Williams had a breakout 2017 season but had big-time knee issues in 2018 with a torn MCL and dislocated kneecap. But Williams is just 26 and was one of the best right tackles in the sport when healthy. The Bills and Giants both have obvious needs across the offensive line.

Williams broke out in 2017, but he tore his MCL and dislocated his kneecap in the preseason this year, lasting just 56 snaps when he attempted to return in Week 1. That injury is a concern, but at just 26, Williams should command a nice contract on the open market. With C Ryan Kalil retired, the Panthers have some serious issues to deal with along the offensive line this offseason.

Williams has been out since Week 12 with an ankle injury. Trai Turner will continue to fill in at right tackle.