Jonathan Williams' Potential Landing Spots and Their Fantasy Impact

It was recently made public that Jonathan Williams, who seemed to be slated for the backup role behind Bills RB LeSean McCoy, has been released. He was also a popular pick for a high-upside bench stash. In this article, we will explore some possible destinations for Williams as well as whether he is worth a roster spot in each scenario.

1. New York Jets

With trade rumors surrounding Matt Forte and Bilal Powell having never handled the workload of a workhorse RB, the Jets may be looking for added depth at the position. Williams could complement Powell pretty well as at 6'0" and 223 lbs, he could be the thunder to Powell's lightning.

Spin: If Williams went to New York, the backfield would most likely become yet another dreaded three-headed RBBC, where it would be tough to predict which back would have a good week each week.

2. Philadelphia Eagles

With reports of 1,000-year-old LeGarrette Blount majorly underwhelming through training camp and preseason, the Eagles may look to add another piece to their running back stable. Wendell Smallwood is the only current Eagle who I could see being a 3 down back, and who knows if he can handle the workload? Williams could at least be a serviceable backup to Blount, but Williams is also a talented back in his own right. He produced remarkably well in college, sporting a 6.2 YPC over his 3 years at Arkansas. If he were to play well enough, he could carve out his own role in the Philadelphia offense.

Spin: If Williams were to go to Philadelphia, the most likely outcome would be some crazy RBBC setup where 3 or 4 different backs get significant portions of the touches. If he goes to the Eagles, he should not be owned in leagues smaller than 14 teams.

3. Miami Dolphins

Behind Jay Ajayi are 2 RBs: Damien Williams, who has a career YPC average of 3.4, and Kenyan Drake, who has had just 33 carries in his career. The Dolphins could be looking for a capable backup, and Williams might be the guy. He would be firmly behind Ajayi on the depth chart but could see meaningful playing time if Ajayi were to go down.

Spin: If Williams were to go to Miami, he would be a must-own handcuff for Ajayi owners because of Ajayi's injury history, and would likely become an RB2 if Ajayi were to go down. For any non-Ajayi owner, Williams could provide a high-upside bench stash if there is an open bench slot.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Kenneth Dixon tore his meniscus, necessitating season ending surgery, back in July. Since then, Terrance West has been the Raven's supposed workhorse back. However, if West were to go down, they have very little depth behind him. Williams would provide a good fall-back option in case of a significant injury. However, he would not be much more than that, because West had a good season last year, producing to the tune of 4.0 YPC on 193 carries.

Spin: If Williams were to go to Baltimore, he would be un-ownable until an injury to Terrance West. Then, he would likely receive a vast majority of the carries and probably be a low RB2.

5. Los Angeles Rams

This is a similar situation to the one in Miami. Behind Gurley are Malcolm Brown, who has averaged 2.5 YPC on 22 NFL carries, and rookie Justin Davis, who wasn't even a lock to survive the last round of cuts. LA would do well to add some RB depth behind their young star. In this case, Williams would be solely a backup and would get most of the work if Gurley were to go down.

Spin: If Williams were to go to LA, he would be unownable even to Gurley owners until an injury to Gurley. The Rams are just so bad that it isn't worth burning a bench spot on a guy who has the upside to be maybe an RB3 based solely on volume. If Gurley were to get injured, however, he should be rostered, but probably not started. If you have to start Gurley's replacement, you should probably give up on your season right then and there.

Bonus Team: Buffalo Bills

Who knows? The Bills could be pulling an Andy Reid, where you cut a player (C.J. Spiller) and then resign him the next day. If this is the case, continue rostering your McCoy handcuff and disregard the rest of the article.