John L. Williams Likes Fit With Steelers After Early Talks -- Fullback Sees Similar Role In Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH - John L. Williams may be about to trade in his Seahawk helmet for that of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

And so far he likes the fit.

The Steelers opened contract talks with the longtime Seahawk fullback and unrestricted free agent, and Williams seems optimistic.

"There's a very big chance I will end up playing in Pittsburgh," Williams said yesterday at Three Rivers Stadium. "I fit this system very well."

Williams, 5 feet 11, 231 pounds, would fill the need for an experienced blocking and pass-catching fullback that opened when Merril Hoge moved on to Chicago.

The only NFL players with more total yards from scrimmage since 1986 than Williams' 8,730 are Herschel Walker, Jerry Rice, Eric Dickerson and Thurman Thomas.

Williams rushed for 4,579 yards and 17 touchdowns since the Seahawks made him their top pick out of Florida. He also has 471 career receptions for 4,151 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Last season, Williams' production dropped to 371 rushing yards on 82 carries and 450 receiving yards on 58 catches. Seattle shifted to a one-back offense, led by Chris Warren.

"I blocked a lot in Seattle, and I can't see my role changing," Williams said. "When you have a player like Barry Foster, you've got to get the ball to him."

Williams said the Steelers called his agent, Jerry Albano, seeking his services after fullback Darryl Johnston rejected the Steelers' $3.75 million, three-year offer and re-signed with Dallas.

Williams said two other teams are interested in him, but he declined to name them.

"Seattle wants me back, but I really want to play for a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers," Williams said.

The Seahawks appear unwilling to re-sign Williams at the $915,000 salary he earned last year.