Former Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams could be close to extending his NFL career as a New York Giant.
Williams, who turns 34 in August, flew to Newark, N.J., from Atlanta this afternoon. He had dinner with Giants defensive line coach Robert Nunn and other Giants defensive coaches tonight and will meet with head coach Tom Coughlin and members of the Giants' front office on Tuesday.
"I'm not sure what's going to happen," Williams said. "I played 11 years in Minnesota. It didn't work out there and this is my first visit with another team. I'm not sure how to feel. It's all new to me."
Williams was the Vikings' first-round draft pick in 2003. A five-time All-Pro pick and six-time Pro Bowl selection, Williams has missed only five games, including just three because of injuries. He had 60 sacks, five interceptions and seven forced fumbles as a Viking.
But Williams never was in the plans for new head coach Mike Zimmer. Williams said he accepted that as part of the business of the NFL, but also thinks he still has something left to give to the NFL.
"I knew eventually a team would reach out and show interest," Williams said. "But I wasn't worried about it. Either way, whether something works out [Tuesday] or doesn't work out and I retire, I'm comfortable with that. I'm not a guy who's worried about going home and leaving football behind. Football isn't everything."
Ironically, the Giants' need at defensive tackle stems in part from the Vikings signing Giants nose tackle Linval Joseph early on in free agency. That left an opening inside next to former Packer Cullen Jenkins, who signed with the Giants via free agency last year.
"I had a good visit [Monday night]," Williams said. "It's different. That's for sure. But I would like to keep playing, so we'll see how it goes [Tuesday]."
