Jonathan Williams is definitely someone the Philadelphia Eagles should consider adding.
In a game where free agency is just as important to team building as the league’s draft is, Philadelphia Eagles fans and the fans of any of the other 31 NFL teams are just going to have to realize a few things. There will always be “team needs”. There will always be turnover, and there will always be circumstances where lesser-known talent is ushered into the background as teams, the media, and fans fawn over names that are more recognizable. Just look at what’s gone on with Jonathan Williams.
It was easy to overlook him during the most recent “free-agency frenzy” as the former Second-team All-SEC nod’s story was bumped by tales of whether or not the Tennessee Titans would retain Derrick Henry, stories of Melvin Gordon trading one AFC West team for another, and former Eagle Jordan Howard traded a midnight green jersey for the orange, navy blue and aqua of the Miami Dolphins.
There are many NFL stars that have found new teams, but as of the beginning of the final full week of May’s calendar month, Williams remains unsigned. There have been questions about how seriously Philly should take the idea of pursuing Devonta Freeman and whether or not a LeSean McCoy reunion is in the works, but truthfully, Williams may be Philly’s best option if they’re interested in adding another running back.
Here are two reasons why that’s the case.
1. Philadelphia Eagles take notice. Jonathan Williams is your best bang for your buck (literally).
At this point in both of their great careers, many of the questions surrounding both Devonta Freeman and LeSean McCoy hinge on the same things. How much do they have left to give to any NFL team, and how much contact can they absorb?
For many, seeing Andy Reid designate his once-prized pupil. McCoy, as a healthy scratch in Super Bowl 54 was the death sentence. It’s very fair to state that once “Big Red” gives up on you it’s over, but as “Birds” fans and the Philly media sometimes do, the questions about a possible reunion with “Shady” started to find its way into stories and into Twitter feeds.
Sure, he’s the Eagles all-time leading rusher, but he’s also turning 32 years old in July and a shell of his former self. In 2019, he averaged 4.6 yards per rush on 7.8 attempts per game, but at this point, the Eagles, who already have three backs in the McCoy mode, may want to look in the direction of someone younger who has less tread and costs less money to serve in some other role.
That pretty much rules out “Shady” and Freeman. The reasons for avoiding McCoy have been discussed at length on this site as have better options. Here’s the skinny on the latter. The Atlanta Falcons swallowed $6 million in dead money to avoid having to pay him $6.5 million. He’s talented and a nice receiver, but the explosion and the ability to hammer the ball up the middle are both gone.
His addition now would be no different than bringing Jay Ajayi back for yet another run. Williams provides the youth the Eagles said they wanted. He’s also cost-effective, but if you’re still skeptical and need more evidence there are other reasons to be interested.
2. There isn’t much film, but the Philadelphia Eagles should watch what Jonathan Williams has done.
It’s easy to forget that Williams was taken right behind two former Eagles in 2016’s selection meeting. As the 156th selection, his name was called just six slots after the Chicago Bears drafted Jordan Howard and just three selections after Philly made Wendell Smallwood the first of their two fifth-round choices (Halapoulivaati Vaitai was the other).
You’re all familiar with Howard’s recent chapter of his NFL story. You’re also aware that, as of right now, Wendell Smallwood is a free agent and doesn’t call any team home.
For those that were totally on board with the idea of bringing Howard back, here’s something to consider. Williams is a similar runner with a similar frame. Howard outweighs him by about eight or nine pounds, but both are the same height. Both are still young. Howard turns 26 in November. Williams is 26 and won’t turn 27 until February.
You may have heard about the Eagles’ potential cap issues in 2021. As of the time of this story being published, they’re expected to be about $51.5 million over the cap. They’ll get where they need to be, but avoiding the hefty salaries that McCoy and Freeman would command helps the Eagles in that regard. They don’t even need to sign Williams to a long-term deal at this point. A one-year, prove-it deal would suffice. That gives them time to assess things.
The long and the short of it is this. Howie Roseman said he wanted guys that could run, were healthy, and can play. That alone eliminates McCoy and Freeman, but Williams provides a nice option. We’ll see if Philly shows any interest in the coming days.