Former Oklahoma running back Damien Williams picks free agency destination
Damien Williams is on the move. The former Oklahoma running back is heading to Atlanta.
Williams is signing a one-year deal with the Falcons, his agent told NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He played last season with the Chicago Bears after starting his career with the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
After opting out of the 2020 season, Williams played in 12 games for Chicago in 2021. He had 40 carries for 164 yards and two touchdowns on the ground while adding 16 receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown in the air.
His best year came in 2019 with the Chiefs when he had 111 carries for 498 yards and five touchdowns to go with 30 receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns. He was a big reason Kansas City was able to make a run and win the Super Bowl that year.
He’ll get a chance to build off last season in a Falcons backfield that could lose Cordarrelle Patterson, who entered free agency. Patterson — who also previously played for the Bears — proved to be a gadget back, totaling 153 carries for 168 yards and six rushing touchdowns and 52 receptions for 548 yards and five receiving touchdowns.
Atlanta went 7-10 in 2021 and has also been linked to Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who’s seeking a trade.
Former Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson makes surprising free agency decision
The free agency decision is in for Allen Robinson — and it’s a surprising one. He’s heading West to join the Super Bowl champions.
Robinson is set to sign a three-year, $45 million deal with the Los Angeles Rams, according to multiple reports. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported $30 million of that is guaranteed.
Robinson’s addition adds to a talented wide receiver core in Los Angeles. The Rams already have Cooper Kupp, the Super Bowl LVI MVP and NFL Offensive Player of the Year, and Robert Woods in tow. They’re also still hoping to re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., and Schefter reported they have the money left over to pull off a contract for him.
After back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for Chicago, Robinson had a down year in 2021. He had just 38 receptions for 418 yards and one touchdown in 2021 with Justin Fields under center. In 2019 and 2020, Robinson totaled 200 receptions for 2,397 yards and 13 touchdowns as Mitchell Trubisky’s top target.
The Bears could’ve used the franchise tag on Robinson again, but opted to let him enter free agency. Now, he’s heading to Los Angeles to pair up with Matthew Stafford and the Rams under Sean McVay.