As the NFL world turned its attention to the announcement of the 2025 season schedule release on Wednesday evening, the New England Patriots quietly made waves with the signing of free-agent running back and return specialist Trayveon Williams. The move, announced Wednesday afternoon, not only adds depth to the Patriots’ running back corps but also significantly bolsters their special teams unit, which was highly regarded in the previous season. Alongside this, the team also announced the release of defensive lineman Eric Johnson, marking a small but strategic adjustment to their roster.
Trayveon Williams: A Versatile Addition to the Patriots
Trayveon Williams, 27, joins the Patriots after six seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he was a sixth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. During his time with the Bengals, Williams primarily served as a backup running back, peaking with 156 offensive snaps in the 2023 season. However, his true value lies in special teams, where he has been a core contributor since 2022.
Over the past two seasons, Williams has logged over 250 special teams snaps each year, primarily as a coverage player but with experience as a kickoff returner as well. This versatility makes him an ideal addition to the Patriots, who boasted the NFL’s second-ranked special teams unit last season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), under the guidance of special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, who will continue in his role for the 2025 season.
In New England, Williams joins a crowded running back room that includes Rhamondre Stevenson, Antonio Gibson, and second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson. To secure a spot on the active roster, Williams will likely need to continue proving his worth on special teams, leveraging his experience and reliability in return and coverage situations. With fierce competition, his role may focus on providing depth and contributing in special teams scenarios, where he has already demonstrated his capabilities.
Eric Johnson: A Brief Stint Ends in Foxborough
Alongside the signing of Williams, the Patriots also announced the release of defensive lineman Eric Johnson, 26. Johnson joined the Patriots via a waiver claim following last season’s final roster cuts. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 11 games, recording 17 tackles. However, with shifts in roster strategy and a need to refresh the defensive line, the Patriots opted to part ways with Johnson to make room for new additions like Williams.
Patriots: A Strategic Move in the Offseason
The signing of Trayveon Williams and the release of Eric Johnson reflect the Patriots’ focus on optimizing their roster, particularly in special teams and the running back position, which are critical areas in the strategy of head coach Mike Vrabel and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. As the team works to rebuild following a challenging 2024 season, moves like this highlight an emphasis on versatile players capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.
Moreover, adding a player like Williams, who has kickoff return experience, may be a response to recent NFL rule changes surrounding kickoffs, which are being adjusted to increase competitiveness and reduce injury risks. With a proven track record and adaptability, Williams could become a key piece in the Patriots’ long-term plans.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 NFL schedule is officially unveiled, the Patriots are gearing up for an ambitious season under Vrabel’s leadership and a refreshed roster that includes rookies like TreVeyon Henderson and free-agent signings like Williams. While not a household name, Trayveon Williams’ arrival could provide the stability and flexibility the Patriots need to compete in an increasingly competitive league.
While fans and media continue to buzz about the upcoming schedule, this move by the Patriots serves as a reminder that small, smart roster changes can have a significant impact on the field. It remains to be seen whether Williams can seize this opportunity to make his mark in Foxborough.