The Buffalo Bills re-signed defensive tackle Kyle Williams on Tuesday, agreeing to pay the 12-year veteran $6 million for the 2018 NFL season. Not only did the Bills bring back a talented football player, but they brought a tremendous leader whose contributions to the locker room are as incomparable as they are indispensable.
Williams had expressed interest in returning for a 13th season, and both general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott said they wanted him back at their respective media sessions during the NFL Combine. Now that both parties have officially agreed to an extension, Williams spoke about what led him to return.
“When it comes down to it, as eloquently as I can put it, I haven’t exhausted myself in pursuit of what my dream is for playing this game, playing for this organization and chasing being a champion” Williams said via the team’s official website. “Buffalo is home, it’s where I want to be. It’s where I want to win. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Williams also shared his thoughts on the trades that sent quarterback Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns and Cordy Glenn to the Cincinnati Bengals.
“I believe in their [Beane and McDermott] vision of what they’ve trying to build. And so for me, I’m on board with what they’re doing.” Williams told John Wawrow. Williams said specifically that Taylor’s trade left “a void,” and he called both Taylor and Glenn “great teammates,” according to Sal Capaccio.
After tasting the playoffs for the first time in his 12th season, Williams is hungry for more in year 13. The Bills are thrilled to have him back, and fans like all of us are thrilled, as well.