Former Vikings Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kevin Williams is still looking for a team for the 2014 season after the Vikings allowed him to reach free agency back in March. He has visited the Giants and Seahawks and most recently the 33-year-old has been courted by the Patriots.
But in an interview on SiriusXM today, Williams said he has heard from another team: the Vikings.
"We had several talks since [head coach Mike Zimmer has] been there," Williams said. "They just felt they were going to try to go younger, but still they talked to [my agent] lately and they might be trying to ease back into the picture. We'll know more maybe as the week goes on."
It had appeared that the Vikings had moved on from Williams after they showed little interest in re-signing him before he reached free agency, signed defensive linemen Linval Joseph, Tom Johnson and Corey Wootton, brought back Fred Evans, and took nose tackle Shamar Stephen late in the draft.
Zimmer said last week that he thought the team would have good depth along the defensive line once everyone was healthy and rookies Anthony Barr and Scott Crichton were eligible to practice with the team. So it's a little surprising to hear that the Vikings and Williams are talking again.
Williams said in the radio interview that he is fine with being a rotational player at this point in his career and he is optimistic that he will sign a deal with a team before the start of training camp. He ideally would like to play for a team with a good quarterback that has a chance to win in 2014.
"I've been having a few talks with some teams, the ones that I met with. They're kind of picking up a little bit so hopefully we can knock something out in the next week or two," Williams said. "Hopefully sooner than later, to put it like that, and I'll be signed before camp."
Williams, who has said he would be comfortable with retirement if the right opportunity didn't come along, feels he still has something to give to an NFL team. We'll see if the Vikings agree.
