Elite Offensive Lineman Linked to Playoff Team

Connor Williams is one of the most interesting players on the free agent market. When healthy, the center is one of the best in the league at his position. After starting his career as a guard, the Texas product switched to center with Miami and flourished in the new role. According to Pro Football Focus, Williams was the fourth-best and second-best center in the league in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Now a free agent, he would’ve broken the bank had he not suffered an ACL injury late in the season.

Unfortunately, Connor Williams is not recovering too well from the injury, and his agent recently said that the free agent won’t sign any time soon. While this is unfortunate for both Williams and fans of the game, he should return to the field at some point in the 2024 season. When he does, PFF’s Brad Spielberger believes the Pittsburgh Steelers are an ideal fit.

Free Agent Connor Williams Linked to Pittsburgh Steelers

This fit makes plenty of sense, as the Pittsburgh Steelers could use a new starting center. While head coach Mike Tomlin has hinted at selecting a center in the 2024 NFL Draft, there is no denying that Connor Williams is the best free agent option available. Considering his injury status, he might be willing to sign a team-friendly, incentive-laden one-year deal with the club.

Of course, if Connor Williams is healthy, then he should have multiple suitors as a free agent. The versatile offensive lineman would be an upgrade for just about every organization in football, but these five teams make the most sense.

Other Potential Destinations

Carolina Panthers

The Panthers fortified the guard position with Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, but they still need a reliable center. After releasing Bradley Bozeman, the Panthers currently have Austin Corbett atop the depth chart, and that’s not good for anybody. Carolina has done their best to surround Bryce Young with the tools required to succeed, and Williams could be the final piece to the puzzle.

San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers quietly had a below-average offensive line last year. While Trent Williams is still amazing, center Jake Brendel is a replacement-level player better off as a spot starter along the interior offensive line. Connor Williams would be a massive upgrade as a free agent and stellar center play goes a long way for a run-heavy offense like San Francisco’s.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills parted ways with several franchise cornerstones over the past month. While the secondary received most of the attention, Buffalo still needs to replace Mitch Morse. The Bills might not have the cap space to get Connor Williams, but if they can make the money work, this is the ideal free agent landing spot.

Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh believes in a hard-nosed style of play and wants to win by being tougher and more physical than your opponents. Unfortunately, it’s tough to do that when Bradley Bozeman is your starting center. With all due respect to the former Panther, Bozeman is much better off in a backup role. Connor Williams is a worthy heir to Corey Linsley and the Chargers have the cap space to easily sign the free agent.

Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens have their franchise center in Tyler Linderbaum. However, they need some serious help at guard. After losing John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler to the free agent market, the Ravens could ask Connor Williams to return to his original position. Generally speaking, guards get paid more than centers, so perhaps Williams would be willing to shake things up and aim for the highest possible paycheck.