The Saskatchewan Roughriders have released American defensive lineman Tim Williams, who was once a top NFL prospect. He missed the entire 2021 CFL season after suffering a torn Achilles tendon in July.
The native of Baton Rouge, La. was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for carrying a pistol without a permit in September 2016 when he was a member of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.
The 28-year-old was released on a $300 bond but the damage was done: he faced scrutiny from NFL teams throughout the draft process due to the gun charge and was selected in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens despite originally being considered a top-ten prospect.
Williams played 20 games with Baltimore and recorded 18 tackles, two sacks, and one fumble recovery before being waived in October 2019. Green Bay claimed him and he played in one game with the Packers until his release following training camp in September 2020.
The six-foot-three, 244-pound defensive lineman produced the best NCAA in 2016, recording 31 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, nine sacks, two forced fumbles, two pass knockdowns, and one fumble recovery which accounted for his one touchdown. The Crimson Tide narrowly lost to Clemson University in the National Championship, 35-31.
Saskatchewan also released a former high-profile NFL player on Monday when they cut American quarterback Paxton Lynch.
The six-foot-seven, 244-pound passer was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He spent the 2021 entire season on Saskatchewan’s active roster or one-game injured list but did not dress for a regular season game.
