Green Bay Packers 2018 roster preview: Tramon Williams
What to expect from Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams in 2018.
Three years after leaving in free agency, Tramon Williams returns to the Green Bay Packers to help strengthen the secondary.
Williams was part of the Packers’ Super Bowl-winning team back in 2010. Will his return help them win another championship?
Williams spent two years with the Cleveland Browns, before signing with the Arizona Cardinals on a one-year deal in 2017. He now returns to the Packers on a two-year, $10 million deal.
2017 stats
With the Arizona Cardinals, Williams played in 13 games, making 41 tackles, 12 pass defenses and two interceptions.
2017 review
Make no mistake, Williams played well last season. Even at 35 years old, he has something to offer Green Bay’s secondary, and it’s not just experience.
While the fact he’s played in Mike Pettine’s defense before will help the young cornerbacks on the roster, as will Williams’ experience in the NFL, he can still contribute at a high level.
Williams was the Packers’ highest graded free agent signing by Pro Football Focus. Mark Chichester of PFF had high praise for Williams:
"“The veteran cornerback allowed just 31 receptions from 63 targets last year and added eight pass breakups while doing so. All told, he allowed a passer rating of just 58.4 on throws into his coverage, which was the sixth-lowest mark among the 81 cornerbacks with at least 50 targets.”"
If Williams can continue to play at this level, the Packers’ secondary will be much-improved this season.
Odds of making roster: 100 percent
Williams was signed for a reason. He will be a leader in the secondary, and possibly a starter at cornerback, especially early in the year.
2018 preview
The Packers needed to improve their secondary this offseason. New general manager Brian Gutekunst was busy in free agency and the draft. Along with signing Williams, he used early draft picks on the position, adding the talented duo of Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson to Mike Pettine’s defense.
While Alexander and Jackson will need to contribute in some way this year, they are draft picks for future years.
Williams is a signing for now. His return gives the Packers a reliable, experienced corner they can trust week in, week out.
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His arrival should help the pass defense improve, and that’s good news for the Green Bay Packers’ hopes of winning a second Super Bowl in the Aaron Rodgers era.