http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/stats/_/id/4467/kevin-williams Kevin Williams is 34 in August and currently unemployed, looking at a vet minimum deal if he chooses to play. Now, look at his last few years and ask yourself when the Vikings really should have cut the string on him. 2013 - 16th overall in rushing defense, 13th in sacks 2012 - 11th overall in rushing defense, 5th in sacks 2011 - 11th overall in rushing defense, 1st in sacks It just never ceases to amaze me how early NFL players careers end even when they're not knocked out by an injury. This guy was part of one of the best defensive lines in the NFL for years. He's missed 5 games in his career and at about the age of 33 his value declined to replacement level, maybe 32 even. It's partly that age catches up with you but it's also about the team needing to plan for what comes next and being very aware that the NFL humbles teams that don't plan for the future. Shaun Ellis was the Jets equivalent. 2 sacks of Tom Brady in the AFC divisional round and he never played another regular season game for the Jets. Not the wrong call by the way but still astounding when you think about it.
That's some serious production for an at worst, unemployed, most likely at best, league minimum guy. Rough business.