Vince

Williams

31-year-old Williams was a sixth-round pick in the 2013 draft and spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers. The inside thumper made 121 career appearances, starting 69 contests, while recording 479 tackles, 20.5 sacks, six fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and one touchdown in the middle of the Pittsburgh defense.

Williams was released in a cap move to clear $4 million last month, but he’s coming back despite getting some interest outside of Pittsburgh. 31-year-old Williams has spent his entire eight-year career with the Steelers and played 65% of the defensive snaps last season as a thumper inside.

Williams has been a Steeler for his entire eight-year career. The veteran made 479 tackles since being a sixth-rounder, but Pittsburgh needed the $4.0 million cap space Williams’ release opens up. The 31-year-old profiles as an experienced backup or low-end starter at this point. It’s possible that Williams wants to latch onto a competitive roster.

Steelers OL Jerald Hawkins, RB Jaylen Samuels, and LB Vince Williams were also put on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Vance McDonald on Monday tested positive after he played 20 snaps in the Steelers’ Week 9 win over the Cowboys. Roethlisberger was considered a high-risk close contact of someone who tested positive for the virus, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He’ll have to self isolate for five days. Barring a positive COVID test, Roethlisberger should be able to come off the list on Saturday and play this week against the Bengals. Mason Rudolph should be picked up in deep superflex leagues in the meantime.

Williams faded into a part-time role last year, but he’ll return to starting next to Devin Bush with Mark Barron gone. He’s unlikely to see many snaps in sub-packages. The Steelers may use SS Terrell Edmunds as their dime linebacker.

A physical thumper at inside linebacker, Williams is viewed as a potential long-term heir apparent to Larry Foote. As a rookie, Williams will try to carve out a role on special teams, assuming he makes the final 53-man roster.

Williams (6-foot 3/4, 233) was a two-year starter at MIKE ‘backer for the ‘Noles, registering 13.5 career tackles for loss, an interception, and three sacks. He ran 4.76 with a 1.71 ten-yard split and 22 reps on the bench. Williams was not invited to the Combine, but played physically on college tape. “As soon as he steps on the field he just starts coming downhill and hitting people,” Mike Mayock observed. The Steelers have a cast of unknowns behind ILBs Lawrence Timmons and Larry Foote.

With Larry Foote (biceps, injured reserve) sidelined, Williams has got the majority of snaps opposite Lawrence Timmons and should eventually overtake Kion Wilson as the full-time starter. “Vince is doing a nice job, not only in play but in communication,” Tomlin said. “He appears to be a natural, but we’ll continue to play he and Kion until we get some clarity in terms of who’s going to rise up and seize that spot.”

A key reserve and special teamer, Williams played 194 snaps on defense last season. He’s primarily a run stopper, but is also comfortable dropping back into coverage. The Steelers could be grooming him as a future starter with Lawrence Timmons near the end of the line. Williams turns 27 in December.

He’ll replace Lawrence Timmons (Dolphins). Ryan Shazier will continue to man Mack linebacker, with Williams stepping in at Buck. A 2013 sixth-rounder, Williams will have a good chance at 100 tackles. It’s notable for IDP leagues.