National Football League

Bills' Williams puts off retirement to play 13th season

Published Mar. 13, 2018 1:06 p.m. ET

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams is putting off retirement to return for a 13th season in Buffalo.

Williams agreed to a one-year contract, the Bills announced Tuesday, a day before the NFL's free agency period opened. Williams' contract had expired and he didn't rule out the possibility of retiring for a second consecutive offseason.

The 34-year-old has established himself as the team's most respected leader both on and off the field. Williams is a one-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection and been a starter since the Bills selected him in the fifth round of the 2006 draft out of LSU.

He showed no signs of slowing last year, with 41 tackles and three sacks in starting all 16 games. And his steady, focused leadership approach played a role settling a young patchwork team that finished 9-7 and ended the Bills' 17-year playoff drought.

Williams' presence was so highly regarded, coach Sean McDermott would grow emotional in discussing what the player meant to the team.

Williams' contract agreement coincided with free agent defensive tackle Star Lotulelei agreeing to sign a five-year deal with Buffalo.

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