Columbus Crew SC used its third overall pick in the Stage Two Re-Entry Draft to select out-of-contract defender Josh Williams, the club announced Thursday.
Williams, 28, is coming off his second season with Toronto FC. During a 2016 season in which Toronto FC reached the MLS Cup final, Williams appeared in just 15 matches and started 11. His final start came Aug. 24.
Per MLS rules for Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft, the Crew must extend Williams a “genuine offer” within seven days.
Prior to stints with New York City FC and Toronto FC, Williams spent a five-year span, from 2010-14, with Crew SC.