The Miami Dolphins have been reported to be interested in targeting cornerbacks this offseason, adding depth and competition to a group that includes Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard, Tony Lippett, and Bobby McCain. It appears they are trying to get an early start on that goal, with a report from CSNBayArea.com indicating Miami has made an offer to former Cleveland Browns nickel cornerback K’Waun Williams.
Undrafted out of Pittsburgh in 2014, Williams signed with the Browns shortly after the Draft. He played in 13 games as a rookie, with six starts, then added 13 more appearances with four starts, in 2015. He has 76 career tackles with two sacks, ten passes defensed, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Last preseason, Williams missed the team’s first exhibition game, then got into a dispute with the organization about the severity of the injury, leading to a two-week suspension during the preseason. Cleveland ultimately waived him near the end of August; he was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears, but failed a physical.
Last week, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport indicated Williams has been fully cleared medically to return to football activities.
At 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, Williams does not fit the mold of the cornerbacks Miami targeted last year, where they appeared to want big, physical defensive backs. He would be the shortest cornerback on the roster for the Dolphins, two inches smaller than McCain and Lafayette Pitts.
The report indicates the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and New York Jets have all made offers to Williams, who is expected to meet with the Minnesota Vikings later this week. Williams, as a released player and not a player with an expiring contract, is free to sign with any team immediately.