Carolina Panthers: 3 free-agent running backs to consider post-draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers option No. 2: Jonathan Williams
Former Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Williams is widely regarded as one of the best reserve backs in the NFL. He showed flashes of his ability in the absence of Marlon Mack last season and would serve as a primary threat that could complement Christian McCaffrey considerably.
It is somewhat surprising that Williams has not yet been picked up by another franchise given his level of production since entering the league as a fifth-round pick out of Arkansas in 2016. Williams gained 235 yards from 49 carries for the Colts last season. This included one touchdown and a yards-per-carry average of 4.8.
He made just $720,000 in base salary during the previous campaign and is sure to be looking for an increase in that figure going forward. However, the longer he remains a free agent, the chances of gaining a multi-million-dollar deal diminish. If Williams is willing to accept a short-term deal then that could put the Carolina Panthers in play.
Williams has no trouble gaining yards between the tackles and also had a turn of foot to pull him away on the edge. The player is a nice complimentary piece and it still young enough at 26-years-of-age to fit into new head coach Matt Rhule’s vision for the future in Carolina.
Providing the price is a bargain-basement one, Williams would be an upgrade to the Panthers’ reserve options.