NFL Notes: Karlos Williams, Jets & Patriots

Karlos Williams

Bills GM Doug Whaley mentioned that their decision to waive 2015 fifth-round RB Karlos Williams was “strictly performance based” and that he was “so far out of reach” of his target weight that he had been surpassed by the other running backs.

“I think it’s just all on the field,” Whaley said, via the Buffalo News. “I mean, if he’s not out there being able to perform and he can’t perform at the level we expect him to, then that’s on him. So it’s not a question. I always say the information makes the decision and the information was he wasn’t ready to play and guys underneath him surpassed him.”

• Vic Carruci reports that the Bills cut Williams “fully expecting” another NFL team to pick him up. According to Carruci, Buffalo loved his talent, but soured on his attitude.

Jets

• According to Rich Cimini, the Jets are trending toward keeping four quarterbacks on their 53-man roster.
• Cimini says that the Jets are particularly high on undrafted rookie WR Robby Anderson, who could be the vertical threat second-round pick Devin Smith was supposed to be.
• Cimini mentions that the Jets could pick up $4.4 million by cutting OT Breno Giacomini. However, he’s also their only experienced right tackle.

Patriots

• Mike Reiss of ESPN writes that this will be a “defining week” in regards to the Patriots’ plans for RB Dion Lewis (ACL). According to Reiss, Lewis took part in the team’s final spring practice and would play if the Super Bowl was today. However, Reiss still believes Bill Belichick is at least considering the idea of keeping him on the PUP list to open the season, which would cost him the first six games.
• Other players who could open the year on the PUP list, according to Reiss, include: RT Sebastian Vollmer, WR Danny Amendola and RG Tre’ Jackson.
  Reiss could see the Patriots at least considering placing a waiver claim on former Bills RB Karlos Williams, but considers it unlikely.
• Belichick previously admitted that they’ve discussed the possibility of signing a veteran quarterback, but Reiss came away with the impression that New England doesn’t like their available options.