DeAngelo Williams says Steelers signing was 'an easy decision'

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DeAngelo Williams entered unfamiliar territory when he became a free agent this offseason.

The former Panthers running back had no idea what to expect when he was called to Pittsburgh for a visit, but immediately felt right at home.

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“I didn’t know they wanted me. I had never been on a visit before,” Williams said, via the team's website. “I was with the same organization for nine years. When I got the call and they said, 'hey we want to bring you in for a visit' I took it as that. Had they said we wanted to bring you in for a signing I would have had a different mindset. I had no idea what was going to transpire when I got here.”

Williams was surrounded by familiar faces upon arriving in Pittsburgh. He previously worked with quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner, who served as his offensive coordinator at Memphis, and played with defensive coordinator Keith Butler’s son, Blake Butler, who blocked for him at Memphis.

“I knew those guys coming in so I was already comfortable,” Williams said. “And I had heard about the legendary Rooney family, so having the opportunity to meet them and feel the history here, I already felt excited.”

Williams also played one season with Steelers safety Mike Mitchell, who briefly joined the Panthers in 2013 before signing a five-year deal with the Steelers in 2014.

“DeAngelo has a great attitude and can provide some leadership,” Mitchell said. “His personality is great. His main thing is he is a leader and passionate. I think he still wants to show people he has some gas left in the tank and I believe he does.

“The main thing I know about him is he wants to be a winner. He was one of the main reasons our offense in Carolina was successful. We had a defense dominated football team that was a ground and pound running game offense. He can come in here and help us. To have a guy like him only makes us better, stronger and maybe keep Le’Veon fresher. All in all it’s a really good move for us and will definitely help our offense out.”

Williams, who turns 32 in April, signed a two-year, $4 million deal with the Steelers following his release from the Panthers after nine seasons on March 13. He is Carolina's all-time leader with 1,432 rushing attempts, 6,846 yards and 46 touchdowns in addition to 18 games with 100 or more rushing yards.

“It’s the opportunity to take maybe one or two reps or whatever it takes to make this team better,” Williams said. “That is what I will do. I want to make it to a Super Bowl and win it. I know this team has that potential and they can do it.

“Coming here was an easy decision. This is a Super Bowl contending team. Every veteran out there, veteran or rookie, they want to go to the Super Bowl and win it and get the best opportunity. I think the best opportunity is here in Pittsburgh.”

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