New York Jets Wisely Kicking Tires On Karlos Williams

Taking risks on players has become a norm for the New York Jets lately, but their latest venture has the feeling of being one that might pay off.

By now most have heard the situation regarding running back Karlos Williams. Despite scoring nine touchdowns as a rookie in 2015, the running back was cut by the Buffalo Bills for a myriad of issues. It started with a suspension handed down by the NFL for violating league policies, knocking him out for the first four games. Williams only made it worse on himself by arriving to training camp overweight, as high as 261 lbs some sources estimate.

That gives off the sense of a player that doesn’t have his priorities straight. Immaturity is nothing new for 23-year old athletes. It comes down to whether a team has the structure and leadership required to help that young man get things straightened out before the window on realizing their potential closes. Based on recent indications, the Jets seem to feel they do.

Their confidence in such a move is easy to understand. They took a flier on Brandon Marshall in a trade last year, one of the more enigmatic personalities in the NFL, and he rewarded them with an All-Pro season. They also traded for journeyman quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and he threw 31 touchdowns. Like anybody at a casino, the Jets must feel like the dice are hot.

Besides their offense is built around the running game. Matt Forte is their unquestioned starter but he’s 30-years old. New York really doesn’t have a young back behind him they could possibly groom as an eventual replacement. Bringing Williams on with a chance to learn from Forte, one of the great gentlemen of football over the past decade makes perfect sense.

Throw in the fact they can probably get him for cheap and it’s an all-around win assuming head coach Todd Bowles is up to the challenge of getting him back on track.