Daniel Williams is saying there's a chance. The wide receiver's name had never been uttered in the halls of the New York Jets offices before Monday. Now, he's a member of the team and attempting to earn a significant role with the squad. Whether or not he pulls it off could ultimately be up to him, as he seems like Williams is going to be afforded every opportunity to be named the team's primary punt returner before the season begins in a few weeks.
Welcoming Williams to the team
The team announced the transaction on their website on Monday afternoon.
While signing Williams, the team waived Deshon Foxx at the same position. Foxx earned his opportunity after Devin Smith was placed on injured reserve earlier in the offseason, but didn't impress the Jets enough to hang on to his position beyond the first preseason game. Besides, the team is interested in the potential special teams versatility Williams could provide.
Williams played his college ball at Jackson State. During his senior season, he caught 47 passes for 599 yards and three touchdowns. It wasn't necessarily his best season, though, as he amassed over 2,400 yards and 19 touchdowns during his collegiate career. In order to avoid being a practice squad player at best, he has to learn to return punts.
He only returned two during his college career, but ESPN's Rich Cimini believes he's part of the conversation at the position for New York.
Newly signed WR Daniel Williams added to the punt-returner competition. #Jets
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) August 14, 2017
New York's punt return competition
There are a bunch of players competing to be the Jets' primary punt returner this season.
On the team's first unofficial depth chart, the job belonged to Frankie Hammond, a former Kansas City Chiefs practice squad player. He has averaged 10.9 yards per return in his career, but that has happened on less than 30 punt returns. If he doesn't win the job, there's a good chance he'll be cut from the roster - Williams is in a similar situation.
Lucky Whitehead is another option. He has averaged 6.9 yards per return but is more well-known for the saga that led to his release from the Dallas Cowboys last month. Romar Morris returned a couple of punts during his freshman season at North Carolina. Gabe Marks is a rookie who returned 11 punts during his junior season at Washington State. Frankly, Williams should fit just in with the colossal mess the Jets have at the punt returner position; in fact, he'll fit in just fine with the mess the Jets have on the whole roster.
