Veteran defensive tackle Kevin Williams believes his career as a Minnesota Viking is over.
Thursday the Vikings signed former New Orleans Saints’ defensive tackle Tom Johnson and agreed to terms with defensive end Corey Wootton.
Williams told the Pioneer Press, “Yeah, I don’t see any other reason.”
Williams, 33, said the move by the Vikings “speaks for itself.”
Upgrading the defensive line has been a major focus point for the Vikings in the offseason. In addition to Williams, the Vikings did not renew Jared Allen’s contract and released Letroy Guion. They did re-sign Everson Griffen to take over at right defensive end and have targeted several free agents.
In addition to signing Johnson, the Vikings also re-signed defensive tackle Fred Evans and brought in defensive tackle Linval Joseph. They also expressed interest in former Chicago Bears’ defensive tackle Henry Melton, who chose to sign with the Dallas Cowboys instead.
Williams started as a defensive tackle for the Vikings in all 11 of his seasons with the team, after being selected in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He made six Pro Bowls and was named first-team all-pro five times.
Wednesday Williams said he had not heard anything from the Vikings this week.
“I put in a lot,” Williams told the Pioneer Press. “I gave it all I had when I was there. I have no regrets.”
His departure from Minnesota comes with much less drama than his arrival. Pro Football Talk recalls the day the Vikings selected Williams. They held the seventh overall pick in the draft and were trying to work out a trade with the Ravens so Baltimore could select quarterback Byron Leftwich.
Time ran out on the Vikings and Jacksonville leapfrogged Minnesota to take Leftwich. The Panthers picked tackle Jordan Gross next before the Vikings could select Williams with the ninth pick.
Williams said he doesn’t have any other offers yet, but said he does want to continue playing.
