Patriots Sign Former Bengals Running Back to 90-Man Roster

This means that Williams will have a chance to make the roster or at least make the practice squad. Williams was a sixth-round pick back in 2019 for the Bengals out of Texas A&M, and he has accumulated 307 rush yards as well as 15 catches for 74 yards in the pass game. He was also a big part of the Bengals' special teams, he returned 33 kicks for 743 kick return yards in his six years as well.

Williams may only end up being a depth guy at running back, but he could end up being a big part of the special-teams unit. The Patriots had Brenden Schooler be a Pro Bowl special teamer last season, and the Patriots have been known as an organization that heavily values special teams play.

The 27-year-old running back will now have a chance to compete to make the 53-man roster and get to put on that New England Patriots jersey. Unfortunately, someone who will not get that opportunity is defensive tackle Eric Johnson II, who was waived to make roster space for Williams. Johnson spent his first two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before joining the Patriots last season. He has recorded 35 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery in his three seasons in the NFL, and he will now be looking to find a new home.

It will be interesting to see how Willians performs in training camp and to see if he will be able to find a role for himself on the team, whether it is in the running game or through special teams. He will be in a talented running back room, and his intensity and work ethic should easily capture the attention of head coach Mike Vrabel. He will now await July's training camp to get to showcase his skills to the organization.