ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Next to Jeremy Maclin, the most proven of Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers is Mike Williams. He had productive seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2010 through 2012 when he caught 193 passes and scored 23 touchdowns.

His career came apart after that, and after signing with the Chiefs during the offseason, he's trying to get back what he lost. Williams, who practiced with the Chiefs for the first time on Wednesday as they opened a three-day minicamp, said that process has already been successful.

"I think I'm kind of better, to be honest," Williams said.

The Chiefs will judge that for themselves. But if Williams is right, he could be the solution in their search for a productive wide receiver to pair with Maclin.

At the very least, Williams, 29, is an intriguing possibility. He's 6-2 and 212 pounds. That size, according to coach Andy Reid, could make him an effective threat in Kansas City's offense.

He also has that history with the Bucs. Williams had three straight seasons with at least 63 catches. He caught 11 touchdown passes in 2010 and nine in 2012. The Chiefs haven't had a receiver with as many as nine touchdowns since Dwayne Bowe in 2010.

Those Tampa Bay seasons seem long ago. Williams has just 30 catches and three touchdowns to show for his last three years. After signing a $40 million contract with the Bucs in 2013, he was limited that year by a hamstring injury and traded to the Buffalo Bills when it was over.

He spent an unproductive 2014 season with the Bills and was out of football last year after being suspended by the NFL for six games for an undisclosed violation.

Williams suggested he will make it work for the Chiefs where he couldn't his final year in Tampa Bay or during his one season with the Bills.

"I think I'm training a lot more," Williams said. "I'm focused a lot more on my plays. They've got me in different positions. In Tampa, I only played one side. (The Chiefs) have me moving around."

The Chiefs are eager to get a look. Williams signed in April but missed all of the offseason practices because of an injured hamstring.

"I think the main thing for him is that he stays healthy," Reid said. "We know he can play. If he stays healthy this is an offense he can be effective in.

"He's one of those guys that has tape and it's great tape but it's with other teams and it was before he was hurt."