Pat Williams told the Star Tribune this week that the Vikings will be in rebuilding mode for some time to come. Last year he was talking about retiring. Pat said he doesn’t know if he’ll be in Minnesota next year or not, but apparently intends to play. He also said that if he does play elsewhere, he will retain his home in Minnesota because he’s got a son in school here and is a partner in a custom car detailing and modification business.
Williams came into training camp having lost 18 pounds to start the season. Based on my observation, he put them right back on. At 38, he’s the oldest defensive lineman in the NFL. Should he be on the team next year? I believe we should wish him well in his next endeavor.
Williams joined the Vikings from the Buffalo Bills in 2005 and has been part of the Williams Wall, previously the top run-stopping combination in the NFL. Williams’ production has been declining since 2007.
| Season | Tackles | Deflections/ Fumbles | |||||
| Comb | Total | Ast | Sck | SFTY | PDef | FF | |
| 2010 | 28 | 20 | 8 | 0.0 | – | 0 | 1 |
| 2009 | 44 | 34 | 10 | 2.0 | – | 3 | 2 |
| 2008 | 44 | 31 | 13 | 1.0 | – | 3 | 0 |
| 2007 | 62 | 43 | 19 | 2.0 | – | 3 | 0 |
| 2006 | 44 | 37 | 7 | 1.0 | – | 2 | 1 |
| 2005 | 66 | 41 | 25 | 1.5 | – | 1 | 1 |
The Vikings have used Williams more “situationally” this year, resting him more and rotating other defensive linemen in for him. No indication from the coaching staff if this was done because his production has dropped or if his stamina isn’t what it was. That accounts for some of the reduction in his production. But does it cover it all?
Williams wants to win a Super Bowl. The Vikings likely aren’t going to be playing in the big game next year. I think it’s in the best interest of the Vikings and Williams to part ways. He may be able to get that elusive ring elsewhere and the Vikings can leverage the depth we already have on the defensive side. Letroy Guion, Jimmy Kennedy and Fred Evans can step up and make the plays.
Do you agree?
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