Vince Williams’ intentions after his current contract are clear: “I want to die a Pittsburgh Steeler”

Some players will go anywhere the money is. They don’t necessarily care about the team, the fan base or the city where they play.

A contract is just a contract — nothing less, nothing more.

It’s safe to say Pittsburgh Steelers’ inside linebacker Vince Williams is not among those who feel this way. Since being drafted in the sixth round by the Steelers in 2013, Williams has bled black-and-gold. It’s Williams who interacts so honestly and fervently with the fan base on social media and has truly embodied what fans want to see from their favorite football team.

Williams is entering the final year of his current contract and, when Chris Adamski of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review asked him if he was looking ahead to the next deal to be made, his answer was honest.

“I don’t think about it at all,” Williams said.

But he didn’t stop there, in case you were thinking he’ll be looking forward to possibly testing the open market.

“I want to die a Pittsburgh Steeler.”

Man, now that is some Jack Lambert Pro Football Hall-of-Fame induction stuff right there.

The reality of the situation, though, with Williams is entering his sixth season, and with such uncertainty surrounding the inside linebacker position without Ryan Shazier, it makes you wonder if the team is willing to part ways, not just with an experienced linebacker, but with a leader on the defense.

“I feel like everybody can be a leader; you don’t have to be an old guy to be a leader. It’s sort of like being a leader is an attitude. It’s not how long you have been here; it’s about what you have and your contributions to the team.” Williams added.

With that said, Williams has been the heart-and-soul of the defense at a time when it was desperately needed. But should the Steelers extend his contract? Absolutely — he’s a presence on the defense, but the team has to reward production. Luckily for Williams, he’s coming off of a career season in 2017.

Last year he started all 16 games, registered 68 tackles, one pass defensed, one interception (of Tom Brady) and eight sacks. All were career-high totals for him. The question now becomes, should the Steelers give Williams a new contract, keeping him in Pittsburgh for possibly the rest of his career?

That’s up for debate, but we want to know what you think. Let us know if you think the Steelers should sign Williams in the comment section below!