Will Putnam Bio
William Putnam, known professionally as Will Putnam, is an American professional football center for the Las Vegas Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 301 pounds, he plays a demanding position along the offensive line. Putnam played college football for the Clemson Tigers before signing with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2024. He has since established himself as a developing starter in the NFL.
Early Life and Background
William Putnam was born on August 13, 2000, in Detroit, Michigan, in the United States. He grew up in Chatham, Illinois, and attended Glenwood High School before transferring during his junior year. The move was tied to his father, who was serving with the U.S. Army and was reassigned for work. The family relocation pushed Putnam to finish his high school career at Henry B. Plant High School in Tampa, Florida.
At Plant High School, Putnam emerged as one of the top offensive line prospects in the country. He was selected to the 2019 All-American Bowl, a showcase that highlights elite high school football talent. He was rated as a four-star recruit by major recruiting services, drawing scholarship offers from programs such as Florida State, Auburn, Miami, Michigan, and Penn State. He ultimately chose to continue his football career at Clemson University, one of the most respected programs in college football.
Path to Professional Football
Putnam’s path to professional football began in earnest at Clemson, where he joined a program accustomed to producing NFL linemen. He spent five seasons with the Clemson Tigers from 2019 through 2023, gradually building his body and his technique against top competition in the Atlantic Coast Conference. His consistency and durability caught the attention of NFL scouts, even though he was not among the highest-profile names at the position.
Following the 2023 college season, Putnam declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. He was not selected during the seven-round event but drew interest from several teams looking for developmental depth along the interior offensive line. On April 27, 2024, he signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent, beginning his professional career.
Will Putnam Career
Early Career at Clemson (2019–2021)
As a true freshman in 2019, Putnam appeared in 11 games for the Clemson Tigers, finishing the season with 192 offensive snaps. The limited role was typical for a young lineman learning the speed and complexity of the college game. His steady progress gave the coaching staff confidence to expand his responsibilities the following year.
In 2020, Putnam played in and started all 12 games for Clemson, finishing the season with 790 offensive snaps. That year, he helped the Tigers lead the ACC as the only team to allow fewer than two sacks per game. During the 2021 season, he started 10 games and logged 633 offensive snaps, earning third-team all-conference recognition from Phil Steele for his steady play.
Clemson as a Starter and Captain (2022–2023)
Putnam’s role expanded significantly in 2022, when he moved to center and started all 14 games for the Tigers. He finished the season with 996 offensive snaps, the fourth-highest single-season total by a center in Clemson history. His performance earned him third-team All-ACC honors, validating the decision to make him a full-time starter in the middle of the offensive line.
In 2023, Putnam served as a permanent team captain and started all 13 games at center, logging 953 offensive snaps. He again earned third-team All-ACC recognition, becoming a two-time All-ACC selection across consecutive seasons. His leadership and durability helped anchor a Clemson offensive line that faced some of the toughest defensive fronts in college football.
Las Vegas Raiders Era (2024–Present)
Putnam signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2024, joining a team in need of interior offensive line depth. He competed through training camp but was waived on August 27, 2024, before being re-signed to the Raiders’ practice squad the same day. The quick turnaround kept him within the organization and allowed him to continue developing his game.
On January 6, 2025, Putnam signed a reserve/future contract with the Raiders, securing his place on the offseason roster. As of the 2025 season, he has appeared in 15 NFL games and made two starts, providing valuable depth at the center position. His continued presence on the roster reflects the organization’s belief in his upside as a long-term contributor along the offensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Putnam’s signature achievement to date is earning back-to-back Third-team All-ACC honors in 2022 and 2023, a rare distinction for an interior offensive lineman. His 996 offensive snaps in 2022 rank as the fourth-most in a single season by a center in Clemson history. He was also selected for the 2019 All-American Bowl, an early marker of the talent that has carried him to the professional ranks.
Will Putnam Career Wins
As an offensive lineman, William Putnam’s career is measured less in individual win totals and more in the consistency, durability, and team success he provides up front. His primary verified achievements include two Third-team All-ACC selections during his time at Clemson, along with a reserve/future contract and an active NFL roster spot with the Las Vegas Raiders. He has appeared in 15 NFL games with two starts, a meaningful milestone for an undrafted rookie who began his professional career on a practice squad.
Will Putnam Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
William Putnam comes from a family with deep military and coaching roots. His father served in the U.S. Army, and the family moved when his father’s job required relocation, shaping Putnam’s path through high school football. Putnam is also the grandson of Neil Putnam, a former head coach at Lafayette, giving him a direct family connection to the coaching side of the sport.
Personal Life
Putnam grew up in Chatham, Illinois, and later lived in Tampa, Florida, before enrolling at Clemson University. His online presence includes the handle @bigwillput on X, and his Instagram handle is @big_willyp, both of which reflect his well-known nickname within football circles. Beyond his football commitments, details about his personal relationships and family life are not widely publicized.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 NFL season marks William Putnam’s first full year as a member of the Las Vegas Raiders’ active roster after signing a reserve/future contract in January 2025. Through the early portion of the season, he has appeared in 15 games and made two starts, signaling an expanded role at the center position. His progression from practice squad member to rotational starter is one of the positive storylines of the Raiders’ offensive line development.
Putnam’s combination of size, technique, and college-level experience at Clemson has made him a reliable depth piece for the Raiders. The organization has invested in his development, and his two starts suggest the coaching staff trusts him in meaningful game situations. Continued improvement in pass protection and run blocking will likely determine how quickly his role continues to grow.
Looking ahead, Putnam’s outlook with the Raiders remains promising. As an undrafted player who has already earned a starting opportunity, he has outpaced the typical trajectory for free agent signings. If he continues to produce at a high level, he could cement himself as a long-term fixture along the Las Vegas interior offensive line.
