Roy Williams cut loose by Cowboys. Pats better be interested.

[nickagneta]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3954441

Williams is easily one of the hardest hitting safeties in the game, a five time Pro-Bowler and still just 28 years old. Given the uncertainty of Rodney Harrison and his ability to be productive after many recent injuries and at his age, Williams would seem to be a perfect replacement for the big safety that plugs the holes and yet can still drop back into cover 2 effectively.

[RebusRankin]

What in the world is Dallas doing? Not that I care because I'm not a fan of theirs but still.

[xmuscularghandix]

$$$$$

[amenhotep04]

What in the world is Dallas doing? Not that I care because I'm not a fan of theirs but still.

They're getting rid of all the divisive characters on the team.

[Toine43]

I have heard that Williams is vastly overrated, a horrible cover guy, and a bad character guy.

Although the Patriots have had some major DB troubles recently, I think they're more concerned with getting stronger at cornerback than at safety. They have two young guys, James Sanders (who they just re-signed) and Brandon Meriweather, who I think they're comfortable with at safety. Meriweather was a little disappointing in the 1st year in New England, but last year he progressed nicely and was often praised publicly for his play by Belichick. I think the Patriots anticipated Meriweather being Rodney's replacement when they drafted him a couple years back, and last year while Harrison was injured for most of the year, Meriweather logged 83 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 11 games started at strong safety.

[Chris]

What in the world is Dallas doing? Not that I care because I'm not a fan of theirs but still.

He is a TERRIBLE pass defender.  I am not sure what his cap number is, but I have to imagine it was way too big for a guy who is so one dimensional.

With that said, I would love it if the C's picked him up to play as kind of a hybrid linebacker, like they tried to do last year with Tank Williams last year. 

[Big_Matt34]

What in the world is Dallas doing? Not that I care because I'm not a fan of theirs but still.

He is a TERRIBLE pass defender.  I am not sure what his cap number is, but I have to imagine it was way too big for a guy who is so one dimensional.

With that said, I would love it if the C's picked him up to play as kind of a hybrid linebacker, like they tried to do last year with Tank Williams last year. 

Thatd work well, we wouldnt need to have Perk get introuble for hard fouls, just can send in Roy to do the dirty work for the C's. 

As for the Pats, the only way i want Roy Williams is if i know he would be in pass coverage as little as possible. He is worse than bad in coverage and for his reputation as a hard hitter, he is also only a average tackler. He goes for the huge hits everytime and is not very fundametally sound. Id stll like the Pats to take a chance on him though, Bill may be able to hide his weaknesses.

[BigAlTheFuture]

What the heck. Dallas got some issues. Williams and Owens? Williams is one of the best safeties in the game

[Toine43]

What the heck. Dallas got some issues. Williams and Owens? Williams is one of the best safeties in the game

Williams is very very far from one of the best safeties in the game, and that is an understatement.

[wdleehi]

He is terrible in coverage.  So bad, they thought about moving him to LBer

[Brickowski]

What the heck. Dallas got some issues. Williams and Owens? Williams is one of the best safeties in the game

Williams is very very far from one of the best safeties in the game, and that is an understatement.

Agree.  Besides, the Patriots need a blue chip corner, not a safety.

[Donoghus]

This guy can't defend the pass to save his life.  Pats don't someone like that in their secondary right now.

[nickagneta]

I think Williams would make an awesome situational defender used specifically in the short yardage package, blitzing nickel coverages and on first and second down running situations. Also, he'd make a good substitute at the outside linebacker spot on occasions.

For a cheap price, he'd be a huge addition. But if he wants money like he's received already, forget it because he is not an every down player due to his lack of coverage skills in the single coverage sets. That the Pats almost never use that type of defense would mask a lot of the problem. If he would take a four year $12 million contract, I'd sign him.

[yall hate]

As I mentioned in one of the other threads...The reason he was released was because he didnt like playing in and wasnt very good playing in a 3-4 defense.  Wade Philips said it, Roy Williams said it.

He will likely sign with the Dolphins (parcells) or a team who uses the 4-3.

Exciting player, but he CANNOT cover anyone, and safeties in a 3-4 need to be able to cover.

[Thruthelookingglass]

What the heck. Dallas got some issues. Williams and Owens? Williams is one of the best safeties in the game

Williams is very very far from one of the best safeties in the game, and that is an understatement.

Roy Williams was solid, and not far removed from the Pro Bowl.  A couple years ago the NFL outlawed the "horsecollar," Williams' signature move.  Then the Cowboys defense changed and Roy's remaining skills were further marginalized.  Yeah, he wasn't worth his cap number anymore, but I'd like to see the Cowboys go after him again at a lower salary.  He's a tough guy who tries really hard.