Wide Receiver Damian Williams knows about competiton and he will be competing for playing time in crowded receiving corps. On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins signed Damien Williams to a one-year contract. The deal is reportedly $800,000.
The 6-3, 193-pound Williams signs with the Dolphins after spending his entire career with the Tennessee Titans, who drafted him in the third-round pick in the 2010 NFL draft. Williams has 106 receptions for 1,313 and five touchdowns in 54 career games, including 17 starts.
The Dolphins already have talented group of wide receivers which include starters Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline. Also Brandon Gibson and Armon Binns will both be returning after both suffered season ending injuries. The Dolphins also have third-year receiver Rishard Mathews, who played well in the absence of Gibson last season.
While speaking to reporters on Friday, Williams said that there’s no concern about competing for playing time in Miami.
“I went to the University of Southern California where I was taught about the value of competition, said Williams.” ” I think that the only way a team gets better is to have great competition at each position.”
Williams will be competiting for the fourth or fifth receiver spot on the roster. Last season, the Dolphins only carried for receivers in their roster.
Williams also has kickoff and punt return experience, which could also help him make the Dolphins’ roster. Williams said he and the Dolphins did talk about possible playing time on special teams.
“We briefly spoke about it and again it comes down to the whole competition thing. I think that (Marcus) Thigpen did a great job for them in the past and I think that even if I don’t get the job as a returner, I think that the competition will be able to push (Marcus) Thigpen to be better at what he does.”
Williams best season with the Titans was in 2011 when he started 13 games and had 45 catches for 592 yards and five touchdowns. He thinks his receiving style could help the Dolphins in 2014.
“I feel like I can help as far as leadership in the room, I’ve been around the game long enough that I understand the way things work,” said Williams. “I understand the attention to detail I should say and I think that along with my ability to make plays and to perform in special teams, as far as returning, I think that that’s going to be a valuable asset to the Dolphins team.”
The comfort with the Dolphins coaching staff and the overally situation is also another reason why Williams decided to come to Miami.
They are an up-and-coming team, said Williams.” “They are a young team. I think that they have great coaching. I think that after talking to the coaching staff, the receivers coach, the (offensive coordinator), Coach (Joe) Philbin, Mr. (Dennis) Hickey, I think that the direction of the program is headed toward success. I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to come in and catch a couple of balls.”
