Jeremy Fowler, senior NFL national reporter 7y

DeAngelo Williams 'definitely' playing in '17, won't rule out Steelers return

PITTSBURGH -- DeAngelo Williams wants to keep the late-career touchdown party going.

After scoring 17 touchdowns as Le'Veon Bell's backup for two seasons in Pittsburgh, Williams is "definitely playing football" in 2017, the 34-year-old running back told ESPN's Adam Schefter on the Know Them From Adam podcast.

"I guess you could say I'm waiting on the phone call," Williams said. "I guess you could say that. I mean, not guess, you can say that. I'm waiting on the phone call with a GM or head coach or whoever decided they need my services. I'll be ready."

Williams is open to a return to the Steelers, who drafted third-rounder James Conner and signed veteran Knile Davis for tailback depth. The Steelers signed Williams to a two-year, $4 million deal in 2015, and Williams responded with 11 rushing scores that year, tied for the league lead.

The team opted not to prioritize Williams early in this year's free agency.

"I'm not ruling [Pittsburgh] out," Williams said.

But Williams does have four NFL teams that are an "automatic no" in his considerations, though he won't name those teams.

"Me considering myself a reliable football player ... I know that somebody out there feels as if they can depend on me, whether it's the Pittsburgh Steelers, whether it's somebody else," Williams said. "I know there are 28 teams out there that can use my services."

A knee injury cost Williams nine games in 2016, but the veteran is now healthy and could start to draw interest as training camps approach in late July.

In Pittsburgh, Williams became a prime fantasy option while starting 14 games in two years when Bell missed time.

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