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Indianapolis Colts Sign Veteran Tight End Brandon Williams

By Kyle Nishida

Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Brandon Williams (86) grabs the face mask of Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Kyle Wilber (51) during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 25, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Brandon Williams (86) grabs the face mask of Dallas Cowboys outside linebacker Kyle Wilber (51) during the first half of an NFL football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts‘ general manager Chris Ballard is sticking to his plan. He is frugally spending the team’s money and adding low-risk assets. This time, he struck a deal with tight end Brandon Williams.

The Colts have already shaken up the tight end situation by trading Dwayne Allen to the New England Patriots. They also re-signed Jack Doyle to a three-year deal. Williams will likely compete for a spot behind Doyle.

Williams has been a practice squad or special teams player for most of his career. He has only accumulated six receptions in 45 games. Over his five-year career, he has spent time with the Carolina Panthers, the Miami Dolphins and most recently, the Seattle Seahawks.

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It is very likely that will be a special teams contributor with Indianapolis in 2017. However, there is the potential he could become the No. 2 tight end in the preseason.

Before Williams’ signing, Indianapolis only had Erik Swoope to backup projected starter Jack Doyle. Indianapolis likes running offensive schemes with two tight ends. As a result, it was important to add another one to the roster.

Swoope, a former collegiate basketball player, got his first shot as an NFL tight end in 2016. After being practice squad project since 2014, the Colts elevated him to the active roster.

As the team’s No. 3 tight end, he picked up 15 receptions for 297 receiving yards and one touchdowns. He played in all 16 games and actually started in four of them.

While it is expected for him to become the No. 2 tight end, GM Ballard has shown he wants in-house competition at every position this summer. Thus, he brought Williams in.

Williams should thrive in the competition atmosphere Ballard is shooting for. He came from the Seahawks where players are pressured to compete against one another for playing time or roster spots.

Again, Williams name does not grab headlines. However, he should be a solid No. 3 tight end and special teams player in Indianapolis

Next: Colts Continue to Retool the Defense By Adding Sean Spence

The Colts now have three tight ends on their roster. It is hard to imagine Ballard being satisfied with this situation too. He will likely find another guy whether that is through the draft or undrafted free agency.

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