Former Chiefs running back James Williams signs with Winnipeg Blue Bombers
By Matt Conner
One of our favorite undrafted free agents, running back James Williams, has signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL.
Back when the Kansas City Chiefs first convinced running back James “Boobie” Williams to sign with them as an undrafted free agent immediately following the 2019 NFL Draft, it was seen as a nice steal. Williams was a proven pass catcher who could move the chains with his steady hands. Given the way Andy Reid had proven to use backs in dangerous ways, it was an exciting signing for a team with limited draft picks.
Fast forward to the regular season and the story for Williams hasn’t gone the way you might have expected. Williams was cut fairly early by the Chiefs (along with Texans linebacker Gary Johnson). From there, Williams earned stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the Detroit Lions but failed to latch on permanently with either team.
Now, however, Williams has a new home, north of the border this time, as he hopes to showcase what he can do with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League.
The CFL is likely not the route he first envisioned when he wanted to play professional football but plenty of players have showcased what they can do in that setting only to see plenty of future success in the National Football League. Even then, the CFL has a great following and he might end up very happy to play there.
Williams had 560 rushing yards on 122 carries (good for a 4.6 yards/carry average) last season as a junior for Washington State. However even more impressive was his 83 catches out of the backfield for another 613 receiving yards. He had 16 total touchdowns for the Cougars last year.