Steelers Sign RB Karlos Williams To Reserve/Futures Contract

The Steelers aren’t ready to give up on Karlos Williams. Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports (via Twitter) that the organization has signed the running back to a reserve/futures contract. The NFL also lifted Williams’ 10-game suspension.

Karlos Williams (vertical)After being taken by the Bills in the fifth round of the 2015 draft, Williams showed plenty of promise during his rookie season. In 11 games (three starts), the running back rushed for 517 yards and seven touchdowns on 93 carries, and he added another 11 receptions for 96 yards and a pair of touchdowns. However, Williams showed up overweight to training camp this past season, and he was subsequently handed a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. The Bills ultimately decided to cut the promising running back, and he passed through waivers unclaimed.

Several teams showed interest in Williams, including the Jets and Steelers. Even the Bills were rumored to be considering a reunion. The running back ultimately caught on with Pittsburgh’s practice squad, but he was handed with a 10-game suspension in late November.

Williams could have an opportunity to make the Steelers’ roster next season. Starting running back Le’Veon Bell is expected to return, but backup DeAngelo Williams is also hitting free agency. Considering the veteran is set to turn 34 this offseason, the team could instead look towards the younger Williams, who is still only 23-years-old.

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