Changes in latitude

Saints' on-the-block Williams embraces trade winds

The trading block isn't a jittery place to be for New Orleans running back Ricky Williams these days. He kind of likes it, in fact.

"Life's about change," he said Wednesday afternoon from New Orleans. "And it's probably best that it happens now. I can't see it not happening, although I know it could be now or all the way up till draft day before it happens."

Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner, was waiting along with the rest of Saints Nation to hear if Miami's offer of a first-round pick this year -- the 25th overall -- and a fourth-rounder next year that could rise with his Dolphin performance would sway Saints general manager Randy Mueller and head coach Jim Haslett into dealing him by the end of the week. The way Williams reads the gridiron tea leaves, he thinks he's worn out his welcome with Haslett, who has had to fine him several times during the last two seasons for things like tardiness and missed doctor's appointments.

"Honestly, if it was Randy's decision, I don't think I'd be gone," Williams said. "But Jim and I just conflict. We get along, and we can work together all right, but there are just things between us."

There was no action as of early Wednesday evening on the trade front. Dolphins vice president of player personnel Rick Speilman said early Wednesday night that he probably would meet with Mueller on Thursday at the University of Miami's workout for senior football players. "I have to convince Randy it's a good deal for both teams, because I truly believe it is," Speilman said.

Williams, 24, has gained 3,129 yards and scored 18 touchdowns in three seasons with the Saints. He had his best year last fall. He ranked eighth in the league with 1,245 rushing yards, while catching a career-high 60 balls for 511 yards -- all the while staving off the challenge of rookie first-round pick Deuce McAllister. When McAllister was drafted, Haslett scoffed at the notion it was to pressure Williams or to push Williams out of New Orleans prematurely.

But now, even after Williams' glittery 2001 season, it's clear that the Saints would rather move Mr. Dreadlocks than pay him market value for a franchise running back. Because his rookie-year contract, negotiated by since-departed salary-cap consultant Terry O'Neill, was so club-friendly, Williams had the 34th-highest base salary on the Saints last season -- $389,000. The Saints likely won't re-do Williams' contract in the near or long-term future. That means they have two choices: deal Williams for something approaching market value this year, or let him play one more season at low pay with McAllister withering on the vine behind him.

Williams sounded happy that if he has to go somewhere, it's to Miami. "The Saints are obviously intent on trading me," he said, "and it sounds like Miami's got the best deal on the table. I'd be going to a better team, to a team with better management, and I'd probably be paid more money."

Williams has been in New Orleans since season's end, and he's found no discouraging words out in the public eye from Saints' fans. "They tell me, 'Don't go! Don't go!' I tell 'em it's not up to me, and I'd be fine with staying. The city really does love me. And I think the Saints understand if they don't get a lot for me, the town's really going to be pissed off at them because the fans like me."

The Dolphins would be a natural fit for Williams. Head coach Dave Wannstedt is one of the league's runningest coaches, and his new offensive coordinator, Norv Turner, would bang Williams into the line 350 times a season if he's healthy. There's no logical reason why the Saints have to make the deal in a hurry, other than they want to.

But if he's not dealt by Monday, Williams will take his sanity break from his football -- a two-week European vacation. "I'll relax, get away, be a regular tourist," he said. "I did it last year and loved it. It's good to get a break from being Ricky Williams."

Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King covers the NFL beat for the magazine and is a regular contributor to CNNSI.com.

 

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