For Bills, Ricky Williams Could Be Cheap (but Risky) Option at RB

Well, this is kind of a crazy idea: According to Democrat and Chronicle's Bob Matthews, the Chargers aren't in a real big hurry to trade running back Michael Turner, and for Buffalo -- one of the teams showing interest in Turner -- there is a cheaper, riskier option:

[One alternative could be] pursuing a deal for Ricky Williams, if he is reinstated by the NFL, if Buffalo general manager Marv Levy would take a chance on him, and if Miami would trade him to an AFC East rival for a mid-round draft pick.

When I first read this it struck me as silly. But after some thought, Williams -- even though he'll be 30 next season -- only played part-time in 2005, and missed all of 2004 walking the earth like Cain in Kung Fu. Basically, he's got a lot left in the tank ... and more importantly, he's still a pretty good running back.

Two seasons ago, he played in 12 games -- starting three -- and rushed for 743 yards (4.4 yards per carry), including six touchdowns. He's also a threat to catch the ball coming out of the backfield -- he's had more than 40 receptions four times in his career -- which could take some of the pressure off J.P. Losman. And given Turner could cost upwards of a first- and third-round pick, only a second-day selection for Williams -- assuming the Dolphins are amenable -- seems reasonable.

And this deal becomes even more attractive if Adrian Peterson is off the board when Buffalo goes on the clock with the 12th-overall pick. Of course, this is just speculation at this point, but, if nothing else, it's something to think about in the days leading up to the draft.