Jonah Williams is Back to Football and We are Hearing Great Things About His Progress!
After two grueling seasons marked by knee dislocations, a position switch, and an offseason sparring with contract dynamics, Jonah Williams is back—and critics are saying he looks sharper than ever. Approaching a crucial contract year, the former first-round pick has recalibrated his game under intense scrutiny and is showing clear signs of readiness for a dominant return to the trenches.
Drafted 11th overall in 2019 out of Alabama, Williams was immediately seen as the Bengals’ blindside protector for Joe Burrow . But early adversity struck: shoulder surgery cost him his rookie year, and a 2020 knee injury further sidelined him . Still, Williams rebounded, locking down left tackle for multiple full seasons, starting 59 games between 2020–2022 .
The first dislocated kneecap in Week 5 of the 2022 season may have been a warning, but Williams returned mid‑season, only to suffer a second kneecap dislocation in that year’s wild-card playoff loss to Baltimore . Though he continued into 2023, Zac Taylor’s Bengals made waves by signing elite left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.
Almost immediately, Williams requested a trade—motivated by a desire to remain a left tackle and preserve his franchise value . He skipped voluntary OTAs in protest but reported for mandatory minicamp after healing his knee, declaring he felt stronger than ever .
Despite his grievance, Williams chose to stay—and accepted a new role at right tackle. The move sparked debate: some analysts and fans felt his technique fit RT better, while others questioned the switch’s long-term viability .
He gradually earned reps during training camp, and the results were promising. From his first blink-and-you-missed-it 11‑snap preseason debut, coaches praised his technique: crisp footwork, sharp punch, smooth sets—with Brian Callahan noting his transition was “probably better than a lot of guys.”—and Zac Taylor later added, “you wouldn’t know… he looks natural” .
It wasn’t just anecdotal hype. PFF data indicated a pass-blocking grade jump from a 63.9 in 2022 to a 73.3 in that limited preseason action—a clear sign of development .
Williams’s contract year added fresh stakes. With his fifth-year option at $12.6 million fully guaranteed, a strong season was his ticket to a lucrative future—potentially more as a top-tier tackle .
That existential urgency sharpened his resolve—as teammate La’el Collins’s torn ACL left Williams to lead the position battle. Positive camp reports followed: he squatted 605 lb on limited-depth reps during OTAs, signaling his knees were rehabilitated and possibly stronger .
None of that dramatized in preseason action. He didn’t slugged it out on the field, yes—but when he did, he showed confidence and technique under pressure. In short, Williams looked ready.
Williams has never lacked motivation, but the mental component had grown paramount. Switching sides after years of defining himself as a left tackle prompted legitimate mental recalibration :
“It’s really more of a mental thing… to feel that atmosphere… I feel better now going into the season.”
That internal shift—embracing new territory, literally and figuratively—is a hard-earned turning point. The combination of his revived body and refocused mind could be the catalyst he needs.
While he’s back in Cincinnati this year, future destination rumors have swirled, especially with Tennessee, Chicago, New England, and even Arizona surfacing as potential suitors . Ultimately, his agent clearly communicated that Williams is betting on his output: excel at RT and maintain his value; struggle, and his market could shrink.
Zac Taylor’s recent remarks in practice carry a heavyweight endorsement:
“He looks natural … You wouldn’t notice he hasn’t played right tackle in a long time.”
Combined with Callahan and PFF’s early grades, that places Williams in rare company—veteran tackles with positional fluidity, technique, and reliable athleticism.
Bones heal—but joints can linger as vulnerabilities. Williams dodged surgery on his second kneecap dislocation and is off PUP lists—but caution remains prudent .
Sectional injuries in 2020 and 2022 already limited him. His offseason squat PR with limited motion doesn’t erase the fact that right knee remains the barometer of his explosive potential—and must hold under full-season grind.
Fan sentiment offers a split read. While some still view him as flawed, others see upside:
“He is actually really solid in the right side.”
“He’s not elite, but he’s serviceable and likely the second or third best OL on a good line.”
These voices echo a broader narrative: with sustained health and consistent play, Williams may still be a foundational piece on a high-performing OL.
- Durability & Snap Volume – Stay healthy. Play 16 games—and preferably over 1,000 offensive snaps without reactive limitations.
- Pass-Protection Metrics – PFF grades, pressure rates, and sack totals will determine whether he meets top-tier starter benchmarks.
- Consistency vs. Elite Edge Rushers – Holding up weekly against premier speed or power heads (like Myles Garrett or Trey Hendrickson) will define his ceiling.
- Leadership and Communication – As a veteran voice, helping younger tackles and forming cohesion across the line could elevate the entire unit.
- Bounce‑Back or Breakout? A 2023 repeat is unacceptable; a mid-70s PFF grade, consistency, and few gnarly moments might vault him into lucrative free agency.
- Stumble or Renewal? Injuries or uneven snap grades would mark a setback—potentially relegating him to guard or depth roles.
- Trade Tensions? If he waves but Cincinnati hesitates to assign RT duties fully, locker-room friction might return.
Jonah Williams’s return to football isn’t just about recovery—it’s about transformation. He’s evolved from a reactive left tackle trying to avoid the weight of expectations to a proactive right tackle mastering a new craft and rebuilding his brand. He’s more muscular, mentally sharper, and technically refined.
All those traits are coming into focus during early praise from coaches, weighted metrics, and physical milestones. Still, in football, nothing matters until the Week 1 blow-by-blow. Yet for a player once burdened by injuries and positional questions, that build-up is meaningful.
If he can survive—meaning full season, clean snaps, and two-way consistency—Williams elevates from reclamation project to serious contender for a top-five free agent contract. And Cincinnati will have a choice: extend his worth or let another team reward his resurgence.
For now, the football world is listening—to the sound of freshly grounded feet, a confident stance, and the snap of a new chapter. Jonah Williams has returned. And early word says he’s ready to remind everyone why he was once top-tier.
