RB DeAngelo Williams to Visit Steelers Friday

Quote :

The Steelers begin their search for a backup running back when DeAngelo Williams pays them a visit on Friday.

Williams, 32, was released by the Carolina Panthers Tuesday. He spent his entire nine-year career with Carolina, rushing for 6,846 yards and a 4.8-yard average. He had 219 yards and a 3.5-yard average last season that was limited to six games because of various injuries.

Steelers quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner was an assistant at the University of Memphis when Williams played there from 2002 through 2005. Carolina drafted him in the first round in 2006.

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/steelers/2015/03/11/Veteran-RB-DeAngelo-Williams-to-visit-Steelers-Friday-pittsburgh/stories/201503110179

I'm mixed on this guy. He was a darn good runner in Carolina when he wasn't injured. But he was injured often. He also fired a few shots at the owners and his teammates on the way out the door. The owner might have deserved it, but not sure how his teammates feel. But in his defense, he wasn't happy that he received very little acknowledgement after his mother passed away.

Maybe signing and being used sparingly (as Bell's backups have been used), might be good for the guy. When healthy, he's an aggressive runner.

I am just glad we are finally getting in the mix of things. It's no mystery we have a gap to fill at backup (temp starting) RB and I think Williams could be a solid fit.

I still like Thomas more, but Williams wouldn't be a bad fit.

I'd be fine with either Williams or Thomas. Regardless of who we bring in, I just want him to accept his limited role and not turn into a malcontent.

And not drive around with our star RB smoking doobies...

SteelersYak wrote:

And not drive around with our star RB smoking doobies...

Yeah, that's definitely a requirement. It should be included in his contract.

Williams is ok, which Thomas are you talking about? Daniel Thomas? He's awful, worse than Ben Tate.

I like Knowshon Moreno or Ahmad Bradshaw too, if either are pursuing their career further. I know they have an injury history, but they fit the role a bit better and are pass catchers. Reggie Bush isn't a bad idea, but it's not likely he'll take a backseat and/or the team can afford him.

SteelCityUnderground wrote:

Williams is ok, which Thomas are you talking about? Daniel Thomas? He's awful, worse than Ben Tate.

Pierre Thomas

Ah, well... he would be suitable then.

That kid from Miami was a flop.

Yeah, I really liked Pierre Thomas for us, but I'll take Williams too, as long as he can stay healthy in a backup role.