Vikings to deal WR Williamson to Jags for draft pick (1 Viewer)

[Frank Costanza's Lawyer]

espn.com

Minnesota Vikings' last link to the Randy Moss trade reportedly will be jettisoned from their roster later this week.

Though nothing may be officially announced until Friday at midnight ET when the NFL's new league year starts, the Jaguars have all but agreed on a trade with the Vikings for wide receiver Troy Williamson.

Williamson was given permission last week by coach Brad Childress to find a new home via a trade. The Vikings are expected to receive a sixth-round pick for Williamson.

The Jaguars were looking to add speed at receiver, and Williamson is one of the fastest in the league at the position. Going to the Jaguars will allow him to reunite with Mike Tice, the Jaguars assistant who was the head coach in Minnesota when Williamson was drafted.

Williamson was drafted in 2005 with the seventh overall pick, which the Vikings acquired from the Raiders for Moss. Other players which Minnesota acquired for Moss -- linebacker Napoleon Harris and cornerback Adrian Ward (picked in the seventh round via a Raiders selection) -- are no longer with the franchise.

Last season, Williamson was fined a game check -- a decision later reversed by the team -- for leaving the team to be with his family in South Carolina after the death of his grandmother, Celestine, to whom he was very close.

Williamson chose to stay at home the entire week and not return for the Vikings' game against the Chargers.

The Vikings wanted him back sooner, though, and docked him one paycheck for his absence, which amounted to more than $25,000 of his $435,000 base salary.

But after veteran players voiced support of Williamson's decision, the team opted to change course.

In 2007, Williamson caught 18 passes for 240 yards and one touchdown. In three NFL seasons, he has caught 79 passes for 1,067 yards and three touchdowns.

Information from ESPN.com's John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

 

[Abraham]

A 6th? Come on...

 

[NoCheese]

Thanks for all the memories, Troy

 

[jurb26]

Good deal for the Jags. A 6th is cheap. Maybe Williamson can turn things around on a new team.

 

[obxlegends]

Moss had more touchdown catches than Williamson had catches last season.

They're lucky to get a 6th.

 

[duece2626]

I could of swore there were at least 2 threads about this already......

 

[TheFanatic]

And just like that the Troy Williamson Era is over in Minnesota

 

[BigSteelThrill]

It could have been worse, many Vikes were hoping for Mike Williams with that pick.

 

[David Yudkin]

And just like that the Troy Williamson Error is over in Minnesota.

Fixed.

 

[mr. furley]

guy belongs in AF2

 

[JAA]

Lots of high WRs busting out. Rogers, Williams, Troy. Roddy White might be coming around finally. BRaylon is quite the stud now.

 

[tombonneau]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

 

[Raider Nation]

It's almost unthinkable now when you realize he went at the 7th pick overall.

Although that year saw an unusual amount of 1st round busts: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2005_NFL_Draft

 

[mozzy84]

surprised that another team actually wanted him that bad, tice must still think he's got something. lord he was bad the last couple years.

 

[J-Rock]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

Just what the Jags need, another underachieving WR.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

The guy is a bum. It's only a 6th but teams basically new/know the guy has difficulty catching deep balls. What good is speed if you can't take advantage of it.

I don't see him making an impact and I don't see Jax. missing a 6th round pick.

 

[jurb26]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

I disagree. The Jags already have 2-3 WRs who can't create separation OR catch. Williamson at least has one of those going for him.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

I disagree. The Jags already have 2-3 WRs who can't create separation OR catch. Williamson at least has one of those going for him.

True, but a receiver who can't catch is worth what? I guess the answer is a 6th rounder. If I'm a Jags fan, I'm thinking does this guy even crack the starting lineup on a team with already mediocre wide receivers?

 

[PlasmaDogPlasma]

I actually think Reggie Williams can catch quite well, even in traffic, he's just almost never open. So now he's being complemented by a guy who can get wide open and drop the ball, giving the Jags perfect balance.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

I disagree. The Jags already have 2-3 WRs who can't create separation OR catch. Williamson at least has one of those going for him.

True, but a receiver who can't catch is worth what? I guess the answer is a 6th rounder. If I'm a Jags fan, I'm thinking does this guy even crack the starting lineup on a team with already mediocre wide receivers?

I think its more of a reactionary issue. The team probably will not resign Wilford, a clutch performer down the stretch, because they feel like he may not be worth market price. Mike Walker, it is rumored/reported, may have more issues than just a torn ACL. Rumors are popping up that he also has a microfracture and may not be able to participate in OTA's. John Broussard has the speed but its not sure if he can be counted on this season with an injury as well. Will they cut ties with Matt Jones? With the Williamson addition, the Jags can add a receiver on the cheap who can at least get separation deep, something that OC Dirk Koetter really wants to do more of. Don't count him out just yet. WR coach Monken has really transformed this group of receivers into a dependable group. Under Monken's guidance, Reggie Williams set a team record for touchdowns and Wilford went from leading the league in catchable drops to a very dependable outlet- even into the playoffs. If Williamson can't produce here, we'll at least know it wasn't a coaching problem. I've said I was opposed to the move for a 4th or 5th but a low 6th is a damn bargain. At where we are picking, it might just be an early 7th. Though I would have liked to draft a niche receiver like Royal or Bess and allow them to grow into the slot role.

 

[Gopher State]

With this trade, bump up the Jag's running game. Can Troy block well?

 

[heidbrink]

He's awesome in Madden 07!!!

 

[FunkyPlutos]

As a Viking fan I am excited...Troy Williamson for a 6th round pick (Tom Brady) is a good trade for the Vikes!

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

I disagree. The Jags already have 2-3 WRs who can't create separation OR catch. Williamson at least has one of those going for him.

True, but a receiver who can't catch is worth what? I guess the answer is a 6th rounder. If I'm a Jags fan, I'm thinking does this guy even crack the starting lineup on a team with already mediocre wide receivers?

I think its more of a reactionary issue. The team probably will not resign Wilford, a clutch performer down the stretch, because they feel like he may not be worth market price. Mike Walker, it is rumored/reported, may have more issues than just a torn ACL. Rumors are popping up that he also has a microfracture and may not be able to participate in OTA's. John Broussard has the speed but its not sure if he can be counted on this season with an injury as well. Will they cut ties with Matt Jones? With the Williamson addition, the Jags can add a receiver on the cheap who can at least get separation deep, something that OC Dirk Koetter really wants to do more of. Don't count him out just yet. WR coach Monken has really transformed this group of receivers into a dependable group. Under Monken's guidance, Reggie Williams set a team record for touchdowns and Wilford went from leading the league in catchable drops to a very dependable outlet- even into the playoffs. If Williamson can't produce here, we'll at least know it wasn't a coaching problem. I've said I was opposed to the move for a 4th or 5th but a low 6th is a damn bargain. At where we are picking, it might just be an early 7th. Though I would have liked to draft a niche receiver like Royal or Bess and allow them to grow into the slot role.

That's cool, I hope it works out. I know I've taken him in various drafts in the past because of his pure speed and that P word, potential.Sometimes, I think we overvalue speed into giving more opportunities than someone knows what to do with. I don't think Williamson has had too many opportunities, and maybe it's because all I hear about football right now with the rookie combines is speed, speed, speed but there's just so much more to football than speed. I think I'm going to if I hear some commentator who's serious say that you can't coach speed.We know speed is important, but we also know that track stars aren't the best football players so there must be a lot of something else that goes into the equation.

 

[JohnnyU]

Troy's Hands

 

[reg]

Governor announced that flags are going to be at half mast tomorrow.

 

[jurb26]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

I disagree. The Jags already have 2-3 WRs who can't create separation OR catch. Williamson at least has one of those going for him.

True, but a receiver who can't catch is worth what? I guess the answer is a 6th rounder. If I'm a Jags fan, I'm thinking does this guy even crack the starting lineup on a team with already mediocre wide receivers?

I think its more of a reactionary issue. The team probably will not resign Wilford, a clutch performer down the stretch, because they feel like he may not be worth market price. Mike Walker, it is rumored/reported, may have more issues than just a torn ACL. Rumors are popping up that he also has a microfracture and may not be able to participate in OTA's. John Broussard has the speed but its not sure if he can be counted on this season with an injury as well. Will they cut ties with Matt Jones? With the Williamson addition, the Jags can add a receiver on the cheap who can at least get separation deep, something that OC Dirk Koetter really wants to do more of. Don't count him out just yet. WR coach Monken has really transformed this group of receivers into a dependable group. Under Monken's guidance, Reggie Williams set a team record for touchdowns and Wilford went from leading the league in catchable drops to a very dependable outlet- even into the playoffs. If Williamson can't produce here, we'll at least know it wasn't a coaching problem. I've said I was opposed to the move for a 4th or 5th but a low 6th is a damn bargain. At where we are picking, it might just be an early 7th. Though I would have liked to draft a niche receiver like Royal or Bess and allow them to grow into the slot role.

That's cool, I hope it works out. I know I've taken him in various drafts in the past because of his pure speed and that P word, potential.Sometimes, I think we overvalue speed into giving more opportunities than someone knows what to do with. I don't think Williamson has had too many opportunities, and maybe it's because all I hear about football right now with the rookie combines is speed, speed, speed but there's just so much more to football than speed. I think I'm going to :( if I hear some commentator who's serious say that you can't coach speed.We know speed is important, but we also know that track stars aren't the best football players so there must be a lot of something else that goes into the equation.

Williamson doesn't just have speed. Has a has actually turned into a strong route runner and has a special knack for getting open. He just drops the ball, a lot. I know most only like to talk about his speed, but there are plenty of simply fast guys in the NFL that can't get open like Troy.

 

[GregR_2]

I'm really happy to see the Jags get Williamson. Hopefully he gets a lot of playing time next year.

 

[meanjoegreen]

I actually think Reggie Williams can catch quite well, even in traffic, he's just almost never open. So now he's being complemented by a guy who can get wide open and drop the ball, giving the Jags perfect balance.

I hope this works out for the Jags. A true #1 would really bump up their offense.

 

[FUBAR]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

I disagree. The Jags already have 2-3 WRs who can't create separation OR catch. Williamson at least has one of those going for him.

True, but a receiver who can't catch is worth what? I guess the answer is a 6th rounder. If I'm a Jags fan, I'm thinking does this guy even crack the starting lineup on a team with already mediocre wide receivers?

I think its more of a reactionary issue. The team probably will not resign Wilford, a clutch performer down the stretch, because they feel like he may not be worth market price. Mike Walker, it is rumored/reported, may have more issues than just a torn ACL. Rumors are popping up that he also has a microfracture and may not be able to participate in OTA's. John Broussard has the speed but its not sure if he can be counted on this season with an injury as well. Will they cut ties with Matt Jones? With the Williamson addition, the Jags can add a receiver on the cheap who can at least get separation deep, something that OC Dirk Koetter really wants to do more of. Don't count him out just yet. WR coach Monken has really transformed this group of receivers into a dependable group. Under Monken's guidance, Reggie Williams set a team record for touchdowns and Wilford went from leading the league in catchable drops to a very dependable outlet- even into the playoffs. If Williamson can't produce here, we'll at least know it wasn't a coaching problem. I've said I was opposed to the move for a 4th or 5th but a low 6th is a damn bargain. At where we are picking, it might just be an early 7th. Though I would have liked to draft a niche receiver like Royal or Bess and allow them to grow into the slot role.

That's cool, I hope it works out. I know I've taken him in various drafts in the past because of his pure speed and that P word, potential.Sometimes, I think we overvalue speed into giving more opportunities than someone knows what to do with. I don't think Williamson has had too many opportunities, and maybe it's because all I hear about football right now with the rookie combines is speed, speed, speed but there's just so much more to football than speed. I think I'm going to if I hear some commentator who's serious say that you can't coach speed.We know speed is important, but we also know that track stars aren't the best football players so there must be a lot of something else that goes into the equation.

Williamson doesn't just have speed. Has a has actually turned into a strong route runner and has a special knack for getting open. He just drops the ball, a lot. I know most only like to talk about his speed, but there are plenty of simply fast guys in the NFL that can't get open like Troy.

I'm with you, but give me a guy who comes down with the ball, separation or not.

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

I disagree. The Jags already have 2-3 WRs who can't create separation OR catch. Williamson at least has one of those going for him.

True, but a receiver who can't catch is worth what? I guess the answer is a 6th rounder. If I'm a Jags fan, I'm thinking does this guy even crack the starting lineup on a team with already mediocre wide receivers?

I think its more of a reactionary issue. The team probably will not resign Wilford, a clutch performer down the stretch, because they feel like he may not be worth market price. Mike Walker, it is rumored/reported, may have more issues than just a torn ACL. Rumors are popping up that he also has a microfracture and may not be able to participate in OTA's. John Broussard has the speed but its not sure if he can be counted on this season with an injury as well. Will they cut ties with Matt Jones? With the Williamson addition, the Jags can add a receiver on the cheap who can at least get separation deep, something that OC Dirk Koetter really wants to do more of. Don't count him out just yet. WR coach Monken has really transformed this group of receivers into a dependable group. Under Monken's guidance, Reggie Williams set a team record for touchdowns and Wilford went from leading the league in catchable drops to a very dependable outlet- even into the playoffs. If Williamson can't produce here, we'll at least know it wasn't a coaching problem.

I've said I was opposed to the move for a 4th or 5th but a low 6th is a damn bargain. At where we are picking, it might just be an early 7th.

Though I would have liked to draft a niche receiver like Royal or Bess and allow them to grow into the slot role.

I would hope that this wouldn't preclude them from drafting a receiver if the value is there. It's not like cutting Williamson would be a major item of note, as he is essentially a late 6th anyway.

 

[brednbuddah]

looks like a done deal.

link

Vikes to trade drop-prone wideout Williamson to Jags

Feb. 26, 2008

CBSSports.com wire reports

MINNEAPOLIS -- Wide receiver Troy Williamson's disappointing, drop-filled career with Minnesota is done, creating an opening for the team to pursue a free agent later this week.

The Vikings have agreed to trade Williamson to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a sixth-round draft pick, according to a person with knowledge of the deal.

The source spoke on condition of anonymity, because trades cannot be made official by the NFL until free agency begins early Friday. Teams can't comment on such matters until then.

Williamson was taken by the Vikings out of South Carolina with the seventh overall pick in the 2005 draft, a selection obtained from the Raiders in the Randy Moss trade. Williamson never played up to those expectations, a lack of production magnified by the struggles Minnesota had on offense over the past three seasons.

The Vikings have been in flux at quarterback and lacking a true go-to receiver since they decided to deal Moss, which didn't help Williamson's development. He was asked to use his elite-level speed to be the deep threat they needed to stretch out opposing defenses, but his playing time was inconsistent and he never found a rhythm doing that.

Much of the problem, though, was his inability to hang onto the ball.

In training camp, Williamson spoke confidently about breaking through with a solid season. He spent hours with vision specialists from Nike and caught an estimated 20,000 balls over the winter, spring and early summer -- sometimes using a machine to feed them to him at home.

Though the Vikings were pleased with his work ethic, it never paid off on the field. Williamson caught a 60-yard touchdown pass in a victory over the Chicago Bears, but he finished with only 240 yards on 18 receptions in 11 games. In 39 career games, he has 1,067 yards and three touchdowns.

The most glaring gaffe, and surest sign of the end of his employment with Minnesota, came in the season finale against the Denver Broncos when he misjudged what would've been a 72-yard score and dropped the ball without a defender in sight.

"You've got to make the routine catches routinely," coach Brad Childress said then.

Williamson will rejoin former head coach Mike Tice, who is now an assistant with Jacksonville. Tice, who was fired by the Vikings after the 2005 season, pushed in that draft for standout pass rusher Shawne Merriman, who was taken by the San Diego Chargers five spots after Williamson.

Williamson has two years remaining on his contract. He's scheduled to make $910,000 in 2008 and $1.435 million in 2009.

AP NEWS

The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2007-2008, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

I would hope that this wouldn't preclude them from drafting a receiver if the value is there. It's not like cutting Williamson would be a major item of note, as he is essentially a late 6th anyway.

I hope so as well. I was thinking more along the roster limitations. If Williamson is cut, its a waste, and I'd like to see him make the team just off talent alone; I think theres a chance for him to succeed. If we carry 6 WR like we did last season, assuming wilford is shown the door, the choice will come down to drafting a WR or retaining Matt Jones. Reggie Williams, Dennis Northcutt, Troy Williamson, Mike Walker, John Broussard(?), ________.I hate to say it but I want to give Matt another chance. But I'd also love to grab a reciever with nice value in the mid rounds (3-4-5). I guess I'm a bit torn here. Assuming those 5 make it, Matt is on the bubble.

 

[Buckna]

There were reports the Jags were interested in Andre Davis, another downfield speed threat. I'm guessing this means they will no longer be pursuing him?

 

[Mr. Brownstone]

There were reports the Jags were interested in Andre Davis, another downfield speed threat. I'm guessing this means they will no longer be pursuing him?

I can't see how they would be in the market for Andre Davis now.

 

[Rogi]

I think if the Jags send Williamson to Nike Headquarters for hand-eye coordination training that he'll make a great WR.

 

[pollardsvision]

i have no idea if it'll work out (i.e. troy learns to catch), but it's certainly worth a shot for a 6th round pick.

troy has spent his career with a defunct franchise with the likes of tavaris jackson throwing to him. if i were him, i'd be too shocked when a ball hit me in the hands to catch it too.

give him a real team and real QB and take a shot.

i've said before that i actually like the jags WRs, but this kind of guy, who could spread the field, is worth taking a shot on.

as they say, even if a speedy WR can't catch the ball, the defense still has to cover him.

 

[Rogi]

as they say, even if a speedy WR can't catch the ball, the defense still has to cover him.

Yes, but they don't have to respect him and focus their defensive plan around him. Fast legs are only one piece of the puzzle. Honestly, I hope he turns it around because he seems to be a good person. As a Vikings fan, I'm just glad I don't have to hold my breath any longer waiting for him to turn it around.

 

[Raider Nation]

JAX is going to win the Super Bowl next season with or without Williamson.

 

[pigskin pimp]

looks like a done deal.

link

Vikes to trade drop-prone wideout Williamson to Jags

Feb. 26, 2008

CBSSports.com wire reports

MINNEAPOLIS --

TWilliamson will rejoin former head coach Mike Tice, who is now an assistant with Jacksonville. Tice, who was fired by the Vikings after the 2005 season, pushed in that draft for standout pass rusher Shawne Merriman, who was taken by the San Diego Chargers five spots after Williamson.

AP NEWS

The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2007-2008, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved

As much as the guy got a rep for being a moron, the guy did more with less than Childress and still had the insight to know Merriman trumps Williamson.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I'm really happy to see the Jags get Williamson. Hopefully he gets a lot of playing time next year.

Hmmm, this must be either a Titan, Indy or Texan fan here hoping for this.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

JAX is going to win the Super Bowl next season with or without Williamson.

If this is true, they'll need to be more aggressive on defense. That vanilla defense they played vs. New England was just enough to not get embarrassed but gave them little chance of winning the game.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

As much as the guy got a rep for being a moron, the guy did more with less than Childress and still had the insight to know Merriman trumps Williamson.

I didn't think Tice did a horrible job but he did have Moss and Culpepper when they were on top of their game. Childress hasn't had that difference maker on offense (until AD came along), so I would hesitate before saying that he was more successful than Childress. They built that offense around the deep ball and Childress has a completely different philosophy, and is finally putting his players into his system, so I am going to reserve judgement for now.

 

[Ketamine Dreams]

I think it's going to be very difficult for Williamson to separate himself from the rest of that Jags WR corps. They've already got 2-3 guys who can't catch.

LMAO!