DAVIE, Fla. -- It was one of the under-the-radar stories of the offseason that did not get much publicity. But Miami Dolphins backup running back Damien Williams almost joined the New England Patriots.
Here is the backstory: Williams was a restricted free agent who had yet to sign his one-year tender. The Patriots, the reigning Super Bowl champions, were looking for running back depth ahead of the draft and met with Williams and former Buffalo Bills tailback Mike Gillislee, who both were restricted free agents.
“It was weird, but it was different,” Williams said of being inside the Patriots’ facility for the first time.