Seattle Releases DT Jesse Williams; DT A.J. Francis Re-signs

RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have waived defensive tackle Jesse Williams after he missed the 2015 regular season following surgery for kidney cancer.

Seattle made the roster move with Williams on Tuesday. Williams spent the last season on the non-football illness list after he had surgery in the spring to remove a cancerous kidney. Williams returned to join the Seahawks during training camp and played in preseason games but determined at the end of camp to spend the season recovering.

Williams was originally a fifth-round pick of the Seahawks, but missed the 2013 and 2014 seasons because of major knee injuries.

Restricted free agent A.J. Francis also announced on Twitter that he has signed his tender and will remain with the Seahawks. Francis appeared in two games late in the 2015 season for Seattle.