After sitting out the 2020 NFL season and subsequently being released this offseason, where are the potential landing spots for running back Damien Williams in free agency? The last time we saw Williams on the field, he put up a monster performance in a Super Bowl victory, but where will he be playing in 2021?

Damien Williams Landing Spots

Williams made a big impact in the playoffs for the Chiefs in 2019. However, he does not have a track record of being a lead back in the NFL. Will any team be willing to commit to Williams as an RB1 in a committee, or will he be looking at a backup role in 2021?

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons still do not have a solution as their lead back. It should be an attractive landing spot for running backs like Damien Williams, given the success Arthur Smith has had with Derrick Henry. The potential development for any back in that system is huge. Therefore, look for a player to potentially sign there on a reasonably cheap deal in the hope of cashing in next offseason.

While Williams is not the same style of back as Henry, we have seen him be explosive. In his last game for the Chiefs, he lit up the Super Bowl. Williams carried the ball 17 times for 104 yards and a touchdown. He added 29 yards and a touchdown on 4 receptions.

Arizona Cardinals

The role in Arizona seems a perfectly suited landing spot for Damien Williams’ skill set as a free agency move. He is a player who can make plays in the run game and the passing game. He does not have a proven track record as a bell cow, so a timeshare with Chase Edmonds certainly makes sense as an option for Williams.

Playing in an explosive offense like Arizona’s could present Williams an opportunity for success in 2021. If he is willing to gamble on himself, he could head into next offseason looking at a fairly big-money deal.

New York Jets

The Jets are still in the market for a lead back. The likelihood is that they will invest in a young back in the draft. However, they will still need some experience to pair with any rookie. With six seasons in the NFL, Williams certainly has that experience. While he may not make sense to be a full-time lead back, a timeshare role with a rookie would have its merits.

Carolina Panthers

Backing up Christian McCaffrey in Carolina could be a perfect landing spot for Damien Williams. Williams is proficient in the run and pass game, which would match the skill set of McCaffrey. He would have to be content to have a smaller role, knowing the ceiling is for him to have a major role if McCaffrey were to get injured.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh is another intriguing landing spot for Damien Williams where he would not be expected to shoulder an entire workload. The Steelers have both Anthony McFarland and Benny Snell on the roster. Neither can be a lead back, but both are handy players to be in a committee with. Williams could be a real asset to the Steelers offense in 2021.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers are not short of running backs, but their injury histories may mean they look to invest in another. Both Tevin Coleman and Jerick McKinnon are free agents. Thus, the 49ers could bring in Williams as a third option to Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert. Bringing in Williams could also allow the 49ers to move on from Mostert. They could save significant money by making those moves.

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Williams would get the chance to play in an RB-friendly offense. On the other hand, he would likely be in a timeshare, making it hard for him to use a year in San Francisco to make more money next offseason.

Seattle Seahawks

Heading to Seattle as the replacement for Chris Carson seems like an ideal landing spot for Damien Williams. The Seahawks do have Rashaad Penny and DeeJay Dallas on the roster for competition. However, neither is experienced as the lead back in an offense, and Penny has significant injury concerns. As a result, Williams could go in and be that experienced back that Russell Wilson can trust.

What is Damien Williams’ potential market value in free agency?

The running back market in 2021 seems to be extremely saturated. With intriguing options also available in the draft, it will be hard for any running back to make a serious amount. Williams was due to earn around $2 million with the Chiefs in 2021. That may be a similar deal to what he has to take in free agency.

Any deal for Williams is likely to sit in the $1.5-2 million range, with incentives to boost it. As such, Williams may decide to take a short-term deal somewhere, hoping to make an impact in 2021. That would allow Williams to hit free agency in 2022, looking for a bigger deal with a strong season behind him.

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Damien Williams Landing Spots: Potential suitors for free-agent running back