John Wawrow: Bills & Kyle Williams Play Wait-and-See on Tackle’s Future; Sunday Will Be His Final Game as a Buffalo Bill

[26CornerBlitz]

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Kyle Williams is in no rush to determine his future.

 

And the Buffalo Bills aren’t going to push the defensive tackle into making a decision about returning for a 14th season any time soon in what’s become an annual game of wait and see when it comes to the team’s respected leader and longest-tenured active player.

 

“Do you want to read the transcript back from last year,” Williams said with a laugh on Wednesday.

 

He was referring to the noncommittal responses he provided to the same questions a year ago before signing a one-year contract in March. And Williams’ comments were hardly different after the 2016 season, when he briefly contemplated retirement before electing to return in February for what was the final season of his three-year contract.

 

The same applies this time, with Williams and the Bills (5-10) preparing to close out the season hosting Miami (7-8) on Sunday.

 

Sure, the 35-year-old said, the thought of his future has briefly crossed his mind. And no, Williams isn’t going to share even a hint as to which way he’s leaning because it would only be a distraction.

 

Otherwise, no timetable and no commitment.

 

“I think whenever the decision comes out will be the appropriate time,” Williams said, appreciating how little he was divulging.

 

It’s a stance the Bills fully respect, and a topic general manager Brandon Beane has no intention of broaching with the season coming to a close.

 

“I’m not going to grab him on Monday and say, ‘Hey, Kyle, do you want to play?’” Beane told The Associated Press. “I think you’ve got to let him get away, let the body calm down, the mind, and then decide.”

 

That said, Beane is more than open to having Williams return, and said the decision is essentially up to the player.

[dayman]

If he isn't in bad pain and doing serious damage to his body why the hell wouldn't he go out there again next year and take home a few more million. Seems like he enjoys playing and being on the team. The money is excellent and gone forever the moment he stops. I expect he'll be back (provided, again, his body isn't telling him to stop immediately). 

Edited December 27, 2018 by dayman

[LSHMEAB]

5 sacks and 31 tackles with far fewer reps. We need an infusion of youth at the position and I'm not convinced Phillips can ball, but Kyle is still playing at a high level. I'd like to see him back not because he's a vet and a fan favorite, but because he's still a productive player.

 

Will be interesting to see what they do this offseason with Williams and Alexander. As much as the Bills need to add young talent in the front 7, both players are still producing. 

[26CornerBlitz]

1 minute ago, dayman said:

If he isn't in bad pain and doing serious damage why the hell wouldn't he go out there again next year and take home a few more million. Seems like he enjoys playing and being on the team. The money is excellent and gone forever the moment he stops. I expect he'll be back (provided, again, his body isn't telling him to stop immediately). 

 

His family might well be a big part of the consideration.

 

 

[PromoTheRobot]

If he believes 2019 is another rebuild year, I think he'll retire.

[Helpmenow]

Time to retire and enjoy life and family. You have battled enough. 

[Augie]

35 minutes ago, dayman said:

If he isn't in bad pain and doing serious damage to his body why the hell wouldn't he go out there again next year and take home a few more million. Seems like he enjoys playing and being on the team. The money is excellent and gone forever the moment he stops. I expect he'll be back (provided, again, his body isn't telling him to stop immediately). 

 

He has enough money, but more is always better. While the almighty $$$ is certainly  a factor, I suspect the decision will weigh heavily on deciding between the locker room experience with the team and more time with his family.  Hoping he comes back, but also that he does what makes his heart feel warm. 

 

 

. 

Edited December 27, 2018 by Augie

[djp14150]

23 minutes ago, PromoTheRobot said:

If he believes 2019 is another rebuild year, I think he'll retire.

 

 

He is is smart enough to know  the team wasn’t that much removed from a better season. Look at Hou, mia, and jets loses along with a few of the games when Allen wasn’t playing. This team could have bern 8-6 or 9-5 going into last weeks games.

 

it could be a decision he waits till late March and what is done in free agency.

[fansince88]

If he retires I agree with his decision.  If he plays I agree with his decision.  He is KW! KW does what KW wants and I like his plan!

[Comebackkid]

I'm pretty sure If he comes back it's his love of the game and wanting to be around fellow bills players, not the money. 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[H2o]

Even if Kyle retires as a player, I would love to see him added to the staff as a DL assistant or something along those lines. 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[ProcessYaDigg]

 

Edited December 27, 2018 by Circlethewagon8404

[SinceThe70s]

 

4 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

That said, Beane is more than open to having Williams return, and said the decision is essentially up to the player.

 

35 years old, 14 year NFL career with the same team and he still has an ample combination of skill and leadership to decide whether he wants to play next year. Not many lineman on either side of the ball get the opportunity to make that decision

 

3 hours ago, fansince88 said:

If he retires I agree with his decision.  If he plays I agree with his decision.  He is KW! KW does what KW wants and I like his plan!

 

?

 

[billsfan1959]

11 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

5 sacks and 31 tackles with far fewer reps. We need an infusion of youth at the position and I'm not convinced Phillips can ball, but Kyle is still playing at a high level. I'd like to see him back not because he's a vet and a fan favorite, but because he's still a productive player.

 

Will be interesting to see what they do this offseason with Williams and Alexander. As much as the Bills need to add young talent in the front 7, both players are still producing. 

I know his family is important to him and his health is always a concern. However, I do think he could still be productive next year and I would like to see him back as well.  This next year is a critical time for this FO and coaching staff: Their ability to add real impactful talent through free agency and the draft, the progression of present players (primarily Allen and Edmunds), and how it all comes together on the field in 2019. From outward appearances, Williams has been a big supporter of McDermott with a belief in what he is trying to do. IMO, he strikes me as a guy who, in his decision making process, would put considerable weight on wanting to see this "third year" through. I also think he would be an important piece of their success - if it happens. 

[CEN-CAL17]

I think he’ll ask Lorax to be signed as well, if that happens I think he’ll agree for 1 last year.

[Troll Toll]

With college costs for all those kids, he’ll need to keep playing...

[Mark Vader]

3 hours ago, 1ZAYDAY1 said:

I think he’ll ask Lorax to be signed as well, if that happens I think he’ll agree for 1 last year.

I could easily see Lorax staying around for another season, maybe 2.

 

Kyle is a 50-50 chance. He still plays at a high level and he continues to produce. Granted he's not an every down player, but so what?

I'm hoping he comes back. His leadership and being a veteran to help bring along the younger players is important to our defense.

[Watkins90]

15 hours ago, Augie said:

 

He has enough money, but more is always better. While the almighty $$$ is certainly  a factor, I suspect the decision will weigh heavily on deciding between the locker room experience with the team and more time with his family.  Hoping he comes back, but also that he does what makes his heart feel warm. 

 

 

. 

His kids are still young enough that he could play another year or two and not miss too much. I bet he hangs it up after next year if the organization doesn't go anywhere. 

[Bing Bong]

16 hours ago, dayman said:

If he isn't in bad pain and doing serious damage to his body why the hell wouldn't he go out there again next year and take home a few more million. Seems like he enjoys playing and being on the team. The money is excellent and gone forever the moment he stops. I expect he'll be back (provided, again, his body isn't telling him to stop immediately). 

Can't see why he'd come back for this year and not see part of this rebuild out (primarily for an improved team next year being his last). The time to retire if he doesn't have any injuries, or general football fatigue, was last year for many of the vets.

[LABILLBACKER]

17 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

If he believes 2019 is another rebuild year, I think he'll retire.

I agree, but I'm very conflicted over Lorax and Kyle. 

[Gugny]

17 hours ago, PromoTheRobot said:

If he believes 2019 is another rebuild year, I think he'll retire.

 

Well if he has any balls, he'll wait to do it at halftime early next season like real men do.

[blacklabel]

19 hours ago, LSHMEAB said:

Will be interesting to see what they do this offseason with Williams and Alexander. As much as the Bills need to add young talent in the front 7, both players are still producing. 

 

Yeah, this is a good observation. We know they are all in on the youth movement but I think it's pretty clear that McBeane places a pretty high value on having experienced leaders in the locker room. The way they've set things up for the future is what makes me hopeful for the whole process. In 2017 they went out and signed a handful of veteran players that are still under 30 (i.e. Hyde, Poyer, etc.) and then they brought back Kyle and Lorenzo as like the "elder statesmen" or whatever, and finally, they headed into this season with a super high percentage of the roster being made up of first, second or third year players. They keep a good mix of experience, leadership, and youth. And I'm pretty sure the whole point of having those veteran leaders around is to show the youngins how to conduct yourself as a professional, provide leadership, and get these kids ready for the "passing of the torch" that'll inevitably happen. And those two guys, #95 and #57, I'm pretty sure they have a "you have a job here for as long as you want" type of situation. Gotta respect that. Obviously McBeane haven't hit on every decision (no team does) but I can certainly see the reasoning behind their team-building methods at this point. 

Edited December 27, 2018 by blacklabel

[LSHMEAB]

21 minutes ago, blacklabel said:

 

Yeah, this is a good observation. We know they are all in on the youth movement but I think it's pretty clear that McBeane places a pretty high value on having experienced leaders in the locker room. The way they've set things up for the future is what makes me hopeful for the whole process. In 2017 they went out and signed a handful of veteran players that are still under 30 (i.e. Hyde, Poyer, etc.) and then they brought back Kyle and Lorenzo as like the "elder statesmen" or whatever, and finally, they headed into this season with a super high percentage of the roster being made up of first, second or third year players. They keep a good mix of experience, leadership, and youth. And I'm pretty sure the whole point of having those veteran leaders around is to show the youngins how to conduct yourself as a professional, provide leadership, and get these kids ready for the "passing of the torch" that'll inevitably happen. And those two guys, #95 and #57, I'm pretty sure they have a "you have a job here for as long as you want" type of situation. Gotta respect that. Obviously McBeane haven't hit on every decision (no team does) but I can certainly see the reasoning behind their team-building methods at this point. 

You make solid points, but it's not really a simple decision. The organization is trying to get younger but both are still be productive. There's also a chance given their respective ages that we see a decline. I could see them keeping both, one, or neither. If I were GM, they'd both be back but it's not an easy call per se. Beane gets paid the big bucks to make the right call. In a perfect scenario, they add QUALITY youth and KW and Lorax still produce at the level they're producing now.

[26CornerBlitz]

 

 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

Kyle Williams: "I Feel I Can Continue To Play" (1:33)

Defensive Tackle Kyle Williams spoke to the media inside the locker room topics include; playing the Dolphins, his production this year, and his future.

[Spiderweb]

From what I've seen from KW over the years and more so recently, his run stuffing ability has never been great. Where he seemed most effective is when he could penetrate and blow up plays. He also was a sometimes decent pass rusher. I think he could still be effective in a reduced role at a reduced salary but only one more year. 

 

With that said, he's been a great Bill and deserves to be able to out on his own terms. 

[blacklabel]

48 minutes ago, LSHMEAB said:

You make solid points, but it's not really a simple decision. The organization is trying to get younger but both are still be productive. There's also a chance given their respective ages that we see a decline. I could see them keeping both, one, or neither. If I were GM, they'd both be back but it's not an easy call per se. Beane gets paid the big bucks to make the right call. In a perfect scenario, they add QUALITY youth and KW and Lorax still produce at the level they're producing now.

 

I hear you. Basically I just meant that when it comes to wanting to return for 2019 or not, the ball definitely seems to be in their court. They value both guys pretty highly and clearly they're still effective. What's great about it is that both have seen their snap-count drop a fair amount compared to last year. I think if they do come back both guys will continue to play in rotational and situational roles. 

 

If I had to guess I would say Kyle hangs it up before Lorenzo. Kyle has been a starter playing a high percentage of snaps for most of his career while Lorenzo made his living on special teams and as a backup until earning a full-time starting role with the Bills. Despite his age, he doesn't have the same mileage on him that Kyle does and I think he's driven to show he can still produce despite his age.

 

And Beane basically said that it's all up to Kyle if he wants to come back. The job is his if he wants it. I think the same goes for Lorenzo.

Edited December 27, 2018 by blacklabel

[Patrick Duffy]

He has had a very good career. He has stayed relatively healthy throughout and I have enjoyed watching him grow from the start of his career. Age will always catch up to you at some point or other, so if he retires it will be completely understandable.

 

He will be missed and have loved watching his high motor and IMO he definitely deserves a spot on the wall at the very least. So whatever he decides he will honestly always be one of my favorite Bills players of all time.

[Beast]

I think the way Kyle acts at the end of the game will tell us a lot.

Edited December 27, 2018 by Binghamton Beast

[technobot]

He's in decline, no doubt about that, but even still he's been productive this year.  We're not really sure if we have his replacement yet; I'm obviously hoping Harrison Phillips can step up but he's still a work in progress.  

 

If they can manage Williams' rep count like they are doing this year, I think he's still valuable.  Not quite in the tier of Lorenzo Alexander (who has been great most of this year), but still more than a solid player who brings even more in terms of veteran leadership and being a process guy.  And from what little coach film I've seen, he truly buys into the team defense concept.  Williams working a pick and roll with Hughes to set up a Hughes sack was one of my favourite Kyle Williams career highlights... he looked so happy that the play worked, and didn't seem to give a damn that he didn't get the statistical sack.  Hughes was pumped up pointing in Kyle's direction, making it clear that the play was a true team effort.  

 

It's up to Williams, but I'd like to see both him and 'Zo return for another year to bridge us to (hopefully) happier days.  And yes, go draft both their replacements so they can be mentored up this year!

[26CornerBlitz]

Kyle Williams to Retire with Sunday as his Final Game!

 

 

[ChevyVanMiller]

A great career and a great ambassador for the city of Buffalo. A definite Wall of Famer.

 

Enjoy retirement #95

[26CornerBlitz]

Kyle Williams to Retire After the 2018 Season Finale

 

 

Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams took a few months last offseason before deciding to return to play in 2018. Making a similar decision about his playing future this time around took considerably less time.

 

The five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle has decided that his 13th NFL season will be his last.

In an open letter to Bills fans, Williams explained why now is the time for him to call it a career.

 

There’s no perfect time to retire from a game, a franchise, and a city that mean so much to me and my family. But it’s time to hang up my cleats.

 

A singular word sticks out when I look back on my NFL career. Grateful. To have spent this much time with one team. To have had the opportunity to get to know this organization, this community, and more importantly, the people. To have raised my family here. To have made countless memories and friendships, on and off the field.

 

Thank you to the Pegulas, to the Wilson family, to my teammates, to Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, to my family, and to the fans. I’ve been at this a really long time but it doesn’t feel like it, and that’s a testament to your unwavering support. I could not be more grateful to retire as a lifelong Buffalo Bill.