Should The Chiefs Re-Sign Darrel Williams?
We have already looked into free agents like Tyrann Mathieu, Orlando Brown Jr, and Melvin Ingram as free agency approaches. This offseason, Kansas City has a long list of free agents, and deciding who stays will be difficult. Another name on the free-agent list is running back Darrel Williams. Williams is one of 25 total free agents set to hit the market in the coming weeks.
He serves primarily as RB2 but stepped into the starting role when Clyde Edwards-Helaire missed time with injuries. Williams had his moments of great football, but then again, he did not blow away the competition really at any point. That being said, does Darrel Williams’s performance this year earn him another contract in KC? Let’s check it out, shall we?
Yes, Re-Sign Darrel Williams
Again, Williams serves primarily as the backup running back, so his stat line is much smaller than a starting back. Williams tallied 558 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns, 452 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. Williams showed he can be a dynamic dual-threat RB and can be used in multiple roles on offense. Does this mean he is a top option? Absolutely not, but he can make an impact when needed.
Williams tallied yards in both the run and passing game in his seven starts. As I mentioned before, he was used as a dual-threat as he tallied 1,010 total yards from scrimmage. This is the first 1,000+ yard season for Williams in only his fourth year in the NFL. 2021 was easily his best season, considering he got the most work and reps this year. Most of his production came in short-yardage situations near the endzone or when a first down was needed. Williams is reliable to get that one or two-yard gain to move the chains or score a key touchdown.
The way I see it, Williams is too valuable even as a backup to let him walk. His last contract was a measly one-year, $1.6 million deal with $880k guaranteed. With how much Williams produced as the backup and his stint as the starter, another one-year deal is not too much to ask for here. Keeping Williams around adds depth at running back, and Williams has plenty of experience now. Keep Darrel around for another year, and he will produce again.
No, Do Not Re-Sign Darrel Williams
He is not a “big play” running back as reliable as he is in short-yardage. Williams only managed 3.9 yards per run this season (3.8 average in his career) which is tied for 45th in the NFL. I sound like a broken record here, but Williams thrives better as a dual-threat back versus purely a run-heavy back. I would argue that he is the best receiver out of all the running backs. However, this lack of the run game could be the only downfall of whether Williams deserves an extension.
Final Verdict: Re-Sign Darrel Williams
If it isn’t blatantly obvious already, the good outweighs the bad here when it comes to Williams. He is a dual-threat back that brings depth and production that quietly helps win games. It is rare to find a young running back who has fully accepted he isn’t the starter. However, he has found a nitch role with KC that shows he is ready to produce when his name is called.
Williams would not be expensive to bring back, and I think KC could easily pay him two or three million per year. It is also worth noting that KC’s other backup Jerick McKinnon is a free agent as well, and I would say Williams has earned an extension before McKinnon. Williams has adapted into a reliable and quality backup running back in his four years with KC. Pay the man what is due, and he will continue to produce for this KC offense.
Do you think the Chiefs should re-sign Darrel Williams? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion.
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