The Cardinals re-signed James Conner but let Chase Edmonds walk in free agency. They are bringing in another change-of-pace option in the backfield.
Former Chiefs running back Darrel Williams agreed to terms with the Cardinals, according to multiple reports. He will bring considerable experience to a backfield that lacks it behind Conner. Williams visited the Cards in early April, and the team circled back to the longtime Chief.
A four-year Chiefs contributor, Williams made the first seven starts of his career in 2021. After beginning his career behind the likes of Kareem Hunt, Damien Williams and LeSean McCoy, Darrel Williams saw extended run during Clyde Edwards-Helaire‘s IR stay last season. Williams eclipsed his three-year career rushing yardage total last season, amassing 558 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. The former UDFA added 47 catches for 452 yards and two more TDs — one of which a deep grab in tight coverage against the Raiders — through the air.
While Williams does not have eye-popping numbers, the low carry total he compiled in Kansas City stands to work in his favor. He took just 237 handoffs in four Chiefs seasons. Edwards-Helaire was back by the Chiefs’ postseason, which unfolded with Williams seeing just one carry. Williams, 27, was also not a prolific ballhandler in college. He finished with 321 totes in four LSU seasons, playing alongside Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice.
Edmonds, who signed with the Dolphins, operated as Arizona’s off-the-bench option behind Kenyan Drake in 2020 and Conner last season. The Cards have 2021 seventh-round pick Eno Benjamin and rookie sixth-rounder Keaontay Ingram (USC) as their younger backups to Conner, who has a long history of injuries. The team also added UDFA backs T.J. Pledger (Utah) and Ronnie Rivers (Fresno State).
Williams is a hugely underrated talent who got lost in the shuffle in KC. He could have a big year in AZ for sure.
The low carry total works In his favor as well as his low yards per carry.
When you only get 3.9 yards per carry, you’re well rested.
A lot of RB additions this offseason with the drafting of Ingram and UDFA Rivers, then the signings of veteran RBs Samuels and Williams. I think it’s a safe bet that the organization is not enamored with either Eno or Ward and likely both get waived this summer.
This is the kind of guy that makes you think he is better than he really is. Make him your bell cow back and you’ll be sorry.
He also ran behind terrific lines in KC. Not a Steve Keim patchwork line and hey we need defense and linemen so let’s draft another tight end.