After the Buffalo Bills (somewhat) surprisingly cut Karlos Williams before the team’s second preseason game of the summer on Saturday, the second-year running back was subject to waivers.
Every team had a 24-hour window to claim him, and the club with the worst record would have been awarded the 2015 fifth-round pick.
However, not one team even put in a claim, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Former #Bills RB Karlos Williams, waived yesterday, went unclaimed today, source said. He's a free agent
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 22, 2016
At this juncture, Williams is free to sign with any team, but it’s extremely telling that not even one team placed a claim on him.
Upon his release, Vic Carucci of The Buffalo News reported this:
Told RB Karlos Williams apparently was beginning to gain weight he had lost, demonstrating to #Bills he was not serious about football.
— Vic Carucci (@viccarucci) August 20, 2016
With a four-game suspension hovering over him, the quite clear inability to stay in football shape and a scary concussion history likely kept teams away.
Typically, though, there’d be at least minimal interest in a (young) player as productive as Williams showed he can be last season.
Given his weight gain, there’s probably major concern about his ability to reach the blistering 4.48-speed he showcased at 230 pounds a year ago at the combine.
Also, it wouldn’t be surprising if there’s more to the Bills’ release of Williams that is yet to be known.