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Earlier in the evening, it was reported that the Jaguars could be hosting free agent tight end Gary Barnidge on a visit sometime soon. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, that’s not the only player the Jags might be looking to acquire.
Former #Bills S Aaron Williams, who is healthy and ready to play, is visiting the #Jaguars today, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 3, 2017
I think the most interesting part of Rapoport’s tweet is that it says Williams is visiting the Jags today(Wednesday), so we might have an answer on this potential pairing sooner rather than later.
Williams has spent his entire career with the Buffalo Bills, ever since he was drafted there in the 2nd round of the 2011 draft. He originally played corner for his first two seasons, but then made the transition to safety. Obviously, having played in Buffalo for all those years, he spent two years under Doug Marrone when he was the Head Coach there.
Williams just turned 27, so his age falls in prime free agent range, but he does have a concerning medical history. Williams has suffered two neck injuries, the latest of which occurred in week three of this past season. As Rapoport notes, however, Williams is healthy and ready to play.
The Jaguars are already considered to have their starting safeties locked down with Tashaun Gipson and Barry Church, so it is a bit curious to see the team pursue Williams. Maybe they view him as potentially cheap, albeit solid, depth. Or with more of a focus on having their safeties interchangeable, maybe they want some competition for Gipson, even though Williams has mainly been a strong safety type. Who knows, maybe they even want to consider him for corner depth, or just general depth for the secondary overall.
Williams has seven interceptions for his career. He scored his first career touchdown last season by returning a botched snap for a score.
UPDATE: Apparently, Williams didn't feel too great about Doug Marrone leaving Buffalo. I guess things have improved?
Lost all respect!! Completely pissed off, but not gonna let it ruin my New Years #Deuces #CantWait
— Aaron Williams (@ajwilliams23) December 31, 2014