New York Giants

Chargers claim ex-Giants RB Andre Williams on waivers

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Now that teams have made their final cuts to reach the league-mandated 53-man roster, it’s time to sift through some of those players to see if anyone stands out.

For the San Diego Chargers, former New York Giants running back Andre Williams stood out.

Williams was released by the Giants on Saturday after two years with the team. A fourth-round pick in the 2014 NFL draft, Williams rushed for 978 yards and eight touchdowns in two years with the Giants.

A stellar college running back while at Boston College, Williams turned in a terrific 2013 season as a senior. That year he rushed for 2,177 yards which not only led the nation, but was the fifth-best total in NCAA history. He finished fourth in the Heisman voting and won the Doak Walker award as the country’s top running back.

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In addition to Williams, the Chargers also claimed cornerback Pierre Desir off waivers from the Cleveland Browns and former Detroit Lions defensive lineman Caraun Reid, according to Pro Football Talk.

Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback Pierre Desir (26) breaks up a long pass attempt to San Diego Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd (80) during the first half at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Born in Haiti, Desir was a fourth-round pick in 2014, like Williams. He’s played in 19 career games and has made 46 career tackles. Reid was selected in the fifth round of that same draft out of Princeton. He appeared in 26 games for the Lions and had 31 tackles, two sacks and a fumble recovery. Both players will be used to bolster the depth on defense.

Williams will look to get carries behind Melvin Gordon and Danny Woodhead, though you have to wonder what his signing means for undrafted rookie Kenneth Farrow.

With these three additions, the Chargers will have to release three players who initially made the final roster.

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