Connor Williams Set To Return, Reunion with Miami Dolphins Unlikely

A few days ago, a report surfaced that free agent offensive lineman Connor Williams had interest from several NFL teams and would be ready for the start of the season. Now, usually, that wouldn’t be that big of a deal. But this is massive news for a player who suffered a catastrophic knee injury and was rumored to potentially retire.

Thankfully, WSVN’s Josh Moser was able to speak with Williams’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, during his weekly segment and got the answers many fans had been wondering. However, the first and most obvious question is whether or not the reports that Williams was healthy and ready to join a team were accurate. Here’s what Rosenahuas said:

“Those reports are accurate. Let me go on the record here and say that Connor has had a remarkable recovery. Nothing short of miraculous. Really looking good for the start of the season. There are a lot of teams interested in him. But I’m just delighted for Connor. Did not anticipate him going to training camp with a team… And now, he’s done an awesome job and we’re going to see Connor Williams in someone’s training camp.”

This is great news for teams still searching for interior offensive line help, and the Dolphins certainly are. The truth is, I’ve continued to suggest Miami re-signs Williams (SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST) because of his versatility and the Dolphins’ need for a backup center and starting guard — both of which Williams is capable of playing. But after playing at such a high level since the transition, Williams sounds steadfast at playing center.

“On behalf of Connor, I’m sure he’d be open to it,” Rosenhaus said about the possibility of Williams signing with Miami. “But I wouldn’t think that it’s likely… I certainly wouldn’t rule anything out, but the Dolphins did sign a fine center in Aaron Brewer from the Tennessee Titans and made a big investment. I think Connor, wherever he signs, it will be as a center.”

Williams, 27, played at an #elite level for the Dallas Cowboys at guard. However, once he signed with Miami, Mike McDaniel, Butch Barry, and Frank Smith had other plans, moving the 6’5, 317-pounder to center — where he’d go on to play some of his best football — ever.

According to Pro Football Focus, Williams played only 497 snaps in nine games with the Dolphins in 2023. Still, he allowed only one sack all season and finished with a run-blocking grade of 90.5 and a pass-blocking grade of 71.7. His 86.5 overall player grade was among the best on the team.

For comparison’s sake, in 2022, his first year as a starting center, Williams played 1056 snaps and allowed nine sacks. He finished the year with a 78.2 overall grade, a 69.1 pass-blocking, and an 85.1 run-blocking grade. My point is that the best of Williams’ play at center could still be in front of him.

My only concern from his two seasons with Miami was the erratic snaps at times, but for a guy who only played in less than 25 starts at the position, I’m willing to give him the benefit of the doubt — and I’ll be the first one to admit, he’s one of the better centers in football.

Ultimately, the Dolphins could use a player of Williams caliber who can play at a high level at guard and center on their offensive line. Unfortunately for Miami, it sounds more and more unlikely, with each passing day, that Connor Williams will be suiting up for a new team in 2024. And honestly, after his season-ending injury, I’m just excited to watch him further his career, even if that’s not with our beloved Dolphins.

What are your thoughts on Connor Williams’ recovery from injury? Do you wish he’d return to the Miami Dolphins and help solidify their offensive line? Are you confident Miami made the right decision signing Aaron Brewer to a three-year deal? Let us know in the comments section below! #GOPANTHERS