One of the major needs this offseason for the Los Angeles Chargers was shoring up the interior of their defense. They were shredded by opponents on the ground in 2022, ranking 28th in rushing yards allowed with 2,478 and last in yards per carry at 5.4.
Their inability to stop the run was costly as teams were able to extend drives with relative ease and bleed the clock in late-game situations. Looking to improve the depth at defensive tackle and hoping some improvements occur, the team has dipped back into free agency.
Los Angeles is signing veteran defensive tackle Nick Williams to a one-year. The source is actually former Chargers backup quarterback Chase Daniel, who has transitioned into doing some studio work for NFL Network and is now breaking free agency news. He announced the signing on his Twitter account.
Williams is entering Year 11 in the NFL and is well-traveled. Most recently he played for the New York Giants, where he appeared in eight games, starting seven, before landing on injured reserve with a biceps injury. Wink Martindale used him as a key part of their defensive line rotation, as he played 45 percent of the defensive snaps before going down with the injury.
While Williams’ stats don’t jump off the page, as he had only 15 combined tackles, two quarterback hits and two passes defended, he is a presence in the run game. That is exactly what the Chargers need from him as they look to turn things around in the run defense department.
He was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round in 2013 but never suited up for them. The Samford product made his professional debut with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014 and played 21 games over parts of three years. He also spent time with the Miami Dolphins, Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions before landing in New York.
For a seventh-round pick, Williams has had a nice career. He has registered 125 total tackles with 7.5 sacks,14 tackles for loss and 19 quarterback hits in 83 games. The Chargers are hoping he can continue playing at a high level for them this upcoming season.
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