The Cleveland Browns should not sign Karlos Williams

The Cleveland Browns must resist the urge to sign Karlos Williams after he was let go by the Buffalo Bills.

One of the biggest headlines from around the NFL on Saturday was the Buffalo Bills’ decision to release second-year running back Karlos Williams. For some fans and especially outsiders to the Buffalo organization, this news came as a major surprise. But for many, the multitude of factors that led to the end of Williams’ career in Buffalo made it only a matter of time until the transaction was made.

Those who were surprised may have good reason to be, as Williams was a major force on Buffalo’s offense in his rookie season. In his 11 games, the young, powerful running back scored nine touchdowns.

One of the more memorable carries Williams had in his rookie season was his very first, when he scampered for a 26-yard touchdown run. It appeared from the very moment Williams took the field in Buffalo that the Bills had a young running back to develop into one of the better power rushers in the league.

But off-the-field issues have plagued the potential superstar’s development. In mid-July, Williams was suspended for the first four games of 2016 for his violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy. This, coupled with his lack of preparation entering training camp, led to his release, as the second-year player also showed up to camp overweight.

There is clearly an upside to Williams, and there is most certainly a downside. What will be debated as many teams will likely consider signing the young running back is which outweighs the other.

As far as the Cleveland Browns are concerned, Williams would be an experiment not worth taking. In fact, his poisonous off-the-field dilemmas could be not only problematic, but detrimental to an organization who has just recently rid itself of these petty problems. The new regime has made it very clear that they are seeking high-character players, which does not accurately define Williams, at least at this stage of his career.

Of course the thought of Williams in a Browns uniform makes signing him tempting. Cleveland doesn’t necessarily need immediate help at the running back position, but an upgrade would be welcomed. Most especially, the Browns’ running backs lack power, as third and fourth down short-yardage situations may require a bit of creativity to move the chains with the way the offense is composed currently.

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Isaiah Crowell is the most powerful back on Cleveland’s roster, but even he tends to specialize more in the speed category. The other presumed starter, Duke Johnson, is also a speedy back who can make plays in space. Raheem Mostert, who may also end up making the team as the third running back, is not a powerful runner in any sense.

The other back on the roster who has a legitimate chance at making the final roster is a player who followed head coach Hue Jackson over to Cleveland, Terrell Watson. Watson has yet to develop into a consistent NFL player, but he have some strengths that has yet to be displayed. But it seems unlikely that Watson could soon fill the role of a power runner.

Even though Cleveland doesn’t possess a true power runner, it is possible that they aren’t in search of one. After all, Jackson and the offensive coaching staff has implemented all of the offense already, and signing a different type of player at this stage could throw a wrench into the established scheme. Additionally, the four running backs that the Browns have been impressed with this camp are likely to make the team, closing an opportunity to sign another back who would play a key role.

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Not to mention, the downside to Williams and the uncertainty with his off-the-field issues make him a much less attractive choice even if he did fit in well with the offense. All of these factors put together make it clear that the Browns should most definitely steer clear of any involvement with Karlos Williams as he seeks new employment in the NFL.

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