Report: Lions agree to terms with DT Nick Williams

NFL insider Adam Caplan is reporting that the Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Nick Williams.

NFL insider Adam Caplan is reporting that the Detroit Lions have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Nick Williams.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2013 draft, Williams spent his rookie season on injured reserve. The next season he was signed off the Steelers practice squad by the Kansas City Chiefs, where he stayed for two seasons. Then off to the Miami Dolphins for a year, and after spending 2017 out of the league, he joined the Bears for the last two seasons.

Williams is the definition of a late bloomer. Of his career 869 defensive snaps, 532 came last season. Why did he see such a big jump at age 30? Situation, scheme fit, opportunity, and he produced.

Capable of playing from the 1- to the 5-technique, Williams is a well-rounded player, capable of stopping the run and pressuring the pocket. He looks most comfortable as a 3-technique and could easily step into the role assumed last season by A’Shawn Robinson.

What may separate Williams from Robinson is Williams’ ability to get to the pass rusher. The consistency can improve, but he managed to secure six sacks over his 16 games last season, including notching one against the Lions in Week 10.

In addition to his six sacks, Williams had 42 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and two passes defended with the Bears last season.

Williams was a player the Bears were hoping to retain, but the Lions reported 2 years $10 million offer pried him away from the division rival. The structure details of the contract have yet to be released but it’s a solid deal for a player who will rotate — and potentially start at times — through the Lions defensive front.

Despite the addition of Williams, the Lions are still on the lookout for a nose tackle to anchor the defensive line and that position could still be filled in free agency.