Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams will be returning to the team for the 2017 season. Bills team reporter Chris Brown broke the news, which was later confirmed by head coach Sean McDermott at his presser during the NFL Combine.
There had been speculation that Williams, who turns 34 in June, had been considering retirement rather than returning to the Bills for his 12th season in the trenches. That outlook seemed to brighten after McDermott was hired.
His cap situation could still come into play, but McDermott mentioned that he was “excited to work with” Williams this season. Buffalo can save almost $ 7 million on the cap by releasing him. While anything is possible, that seems like some straightforward language when it comes to Kyle’s future with the team.
After missing most of 2015 with a knee injury, Williams played well in 2016. In 15 starts, he recorded 64 tackles and five sacks. Many of those games were without Marcell Dareus, who was dealing with a suspension and a myriad of injuries, playing next to him. He also made the Pro Bowl for the fifth time, albeit as an alternate.
While there are still plenty of decisions to be made about other key players on the roster, most notably Tyrod Taylor, it seems clear that the most experienced voice in the clubhouse will try at least one more time to lead the team to the playoffs.