Kevin Williams Doesn’t See A Return To Minnesota This Year

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams (93) looks on prior to the game against the Chicago Bears at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Most Vikings fans love Kevin Williams.  He was a mainstay on Minnesota’s defensive line for many years.  Sadly, it doesn’t look as though he will continue with the team that drafted him with the #9 overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft.

Recently, Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press caught up with the defensive tackle to talk about the possibility of him returning to the team this year.

Williams was asked directly if he believed his 11-year career with the Vikings was over, and this is how he replied:

"“Yeah.’’ Williams said."

Sep 28, 2013; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams (93) at the NFL on Regent Street block party in advance of the NFL International Series game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Vikings. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings have made a lot of moves on the defensive line this offseason. They brought back Everson Griffen and Fred Evans. Minnesota also went out and got Linval Joseph, Corey Wooten and Tom Johnson in free agency.  When you add in Brian Robison, Sharrif Floyd, Chase Baker, Kheeston Randall and Spencer Nealy, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of room left for the Vikings to bring Williams back to the team.

This is something that isn’t lost on Kevin Williams, either.  When he was asked if he felt the moves Minnesota have made could leave him out of the equation, his is how he replied:

"“That speaks for itself,’’ Williams said. “I guess they’re going to do what they got to do.’’"

Every member of the Minnesota Vikings defensive line is currently 30 years old or younger.  Kevin Williams will turn 34 this August.  Rick Spielman (Vikings general manager) has been dead set on bringing in young talent for this team to build and develop.

If it happens that Kevin Williams doesn’t return to the team, he will be missed.  His veteran leadership and consistency were a cornerstone of the Vikings defense for many years.  The contributions he made to both the team and the community were larger and generous.

Although there’s still hope that he will find his way home, things aren’t looking good for Kevin Williams to come back to Minnesota.