After spending nearly two months in the free agent pool, former Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams is officially back in the NFL. Earlier this week, on Monday, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz broke the news on his official Twitter that the 27-year-old tailback has signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
Williams was initially hoping to see a new contract extension from the Chiefs in mid-March. Once it became clear that wasn’t going to happen, Williams walked to test the free agent market. Thus, it was the start of a lengthy two-month wait before the Cards eventually gave him a call.
Williams joins an Arizona backfield that will likely give him a reserve role for third-down situations. He could also compete with rookie Keaontay Ingram for a more significant role as the second running back behind starter James Conner.
Coming out of Louisiana State in 2018, Williams began his pro career as an undrafted free agent and a member of Kansas City’s practice squad. As the seasons went, Williamseventually worked his way up from the practice team to the active roster. In 2021, he had his best season, rushing for a career-high 558 yards and six touchdowns on 144 carries while also catching 47 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns.
