Oft-maligned wide receiver Mike Williams is just six games into his stint with the Buffalo Bills after getting dealt to Northwestern New York in the offseason by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, Williams could be back on the move sooner rather than later.
Williams has been allowed to seek out a trade, according to NFL Media reports. The wide receiver was benched during Sunday’s loss to the New England Patriots.
Hadley Engelhard, agent for #Bills WR Mike Williams, has been given permission to gauge interest in a possible trade from Buffalo.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2014
#Bills sat Mike Williams because they needed special teams help after DT Kyle Williams was surprisingly active. Bills still like his skill
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2014
#Bills WR Mike Williams believes he’s a number 1. If a team offers that compensation, Bills are interested. If not, will be tough to move.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 13, 2014
Williams was a standout as a rookie with the Bucs, but after off-the-field concerns surfaced he was dealt to Upstate New York to reunite with his former college coach, Doug Marrone, and return close to Syracuse where he played in college.
Here are six possible landing spots for Williams:
Seahawks
Seattle is loaded with wide receiver talent, but no player has the skill-set of Williams. The former first-round pick has size and strength, which could be a fine compliment to Percy Harvin, Ricardo Lockette and Doug Baldwin.
Not only would Williams be a solid veteran presence on Seattle’s receiving corps, it offers another option should Harvin find himself with an injury again. Obviously Harvin has remained healthy all season long, but his track record suggests this might not continue.
Cowboys
Dez Bryant is among the NFL’s top wide receivers, and Terrance Williams was so highly thought of by Cowboys front-office personnel that they allowed Miles Austin to walk away. But the surging Cowboys could add another complimentary piece in Williams for almost no risk and plenty of reward.
Williams is only a fifth-year player, and while he’s progressed as fast as he has, it could not hurt to add another experienced receiver to this unit, especially if the Cowboys continue their run toward an NFC East crown and playoff spot.
Patriots
The Patriots’ wide receiver woes have been well advertised this season. Aside from Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman, it’s been Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola and an injured Aaron Dobson. Adding Williams could be the solution.
Bill Belichick has not had the success he used to when it comes to reviving the careers of veterans, but Williams has the skills, just lacks the opportunities. Williams could be a chess piece in New England, and if any quarterback could make the most of his talents, I’d bet on it being Tom Brady.
Jets
Eric Decker is the go-to guy for Geno Smith, and Jeremy Kerley is a great slot receiver. But the Jets need to start collecting as many weapons on the perimeter as they can.
The Jets don’t have the making of a playoff team right now, but if they’re going to continue to ride Geno Smith and hope he begins to progress, they need to continue to try and surround him with playmakers. Williams alongside Decker and Kerley might do just that.
Bengals
With A.J. Green sidelined and Marvin Jones not progressing as the team had hoped, Williams might be the answer for the Bengals. A veteran like Williams should be able to grasp the offense fairly quickly, and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson has done more with less talent in the past.
Injuries have taken a toll in Cincinnati, and if the Bills are looking for a team in legitimate need of wide receiver help, the Bengals may be on the forefront.
Kansas City
A long shot, of course, but the Chiefs could use some help building up a wide receiving corps. Dwayne Bowe has been the No. 1 in Kansas City for quite some time, but now there are cats like Junior Hemingway catching balls.
The Chiefs failed to address the unit in the offseason, so they could catch a break by nabbing Williams away from Buffalo now.
