Former Lions WR Derrick Williams has signed with the CFL's Toronto Argonauts.

A third-round pick of the Lions in 2009, Williams lasted just two years in the NFL. There was never much more than straight-line speed here, which proved to be a problem for a 5'11/197 inside receiver.

Steelers signed WR Derrick Williams and CB Walter McFadden to reserve/future contracts.

A third-round pick of the Lions in 2009, Williams notched just nine catches in 18 games before being cut in September following a brutal preseason. If he makes the team in 2012, it will be as a special teamer. The brother of Steelers CB Bryant McFadden and a former fifth-round pick, Walter has made five tackles in four career games.

Lions WR Derrick Williams dropped back-to-back "perfectly thrown passes" from Drew Stanton in the second quarter of Detroit's preseason opener on Friday.

Williams did make a 32-yard catch one play later, but the performance was not good news for a player that needs to shine to keep his roster spot. Unless the Lions decide he can be an asset on special teams, he'll be gone.

Derrick Williams' roster spot is in serious jeopardy, according to beat writer Tom Kowalski.

The signing of Rashied Davis likely signals the end of the line for Williams in Detroit. He's lost his return specialist gig to Stefan Logan as well.

The Lions are expected to keep only four wide receivers on their active roster in 2011.

Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson, and second-round rookie Titus Young are locked in, leaving Derrick Williams to compete with Bryant Johnson, Tim Toone, Michael Moore, and whomever is brought in during free agency. Johnson is almost certainly out at his salary, but Williams will be squarely on the bubble after failing to impress in any of his first two seasons.

Lions placed WR Derrick Williams (ankle) on injured reserve, ending his season.

The current Lions regime has done a fine job in the past two drafts, but Williams looms as a third-round bust. Williams caught just three passes for 30 yards this year after producing six catches last season. Billed as an explosive return threat when he entered the league, he didn't field a single kick in 2010. He's guaranteed nothing for 2011.

Derrick Williams hasn't done enough to warrant a roster spot, according to the Detroit News.

Not a surprise. Williams was a third-round pick last year that found himself benched on multiple occasions. He isn't ready to contribute as a receiver and Aaron Brown has emerged as the Lions' top option at kick returner.

Lions WR Derrick Williams will have to show some "flash" on returns this summer to make the final roster, according to beat writer Tom Kowalski.

The Lions have added depth at receiver, so Williams will have to outshine Aaron Brown, Dennis Northcutt, and rookie Tim Toone on special teams to make the squad. While he may offer the most upside of that group, he'll have to show major improvement after struggling to find the ball on punts while also losing kickoff return duties in 2009.

Lions WR Derrick Williams "has to" get better in the return game, according to GM Martin Mayhew.

Williams was a third-round bust as a rookie, fumbling away return duties and contributing just six catches on offense. With the Lions improving their depth at receiver, he may have to outplay Dennis Northcutt to stick around for another shot at both punt and kickoff returns this year.