Free Agency: Tramon Williams, Browns Strike a Deal
As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cleveland Browns have agreed to a three-year contract with former Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams.
Here’s Schefter, breaking the news on Twitter.
Former Packers CB Tramon Williams has reached a three-year agreement with the Cleveland Browns, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 16, 2015
I took a look at Williams before free agency and what he brings to the table for his future team:
Williams has had an excellent career with the Packers, but he turns 32 this month and is a guy that can probably excel on a shorter-term deal. He knows how to get his hands on the football, picking off 28 passes since he was a rookie in 2007, including a six-INT season back in 2010. This is a really solid veteran player that has been durable, a good tackler, and consistently creates takeaways for your defense. His days in the NFL are likely numbered, but he could contribute still as a starter.
The fit for Williams in Cleveland is obviously to replace Buster Skrine, who bolted for the money and greener pastures with the Jets in New York. The Browns assembled quite the secondary over the last couple of years, and now they’ll pair Williams with Pro Bowler Joe Haden and last year’s first round pick Justin Gilbert.
GRADE: C
I realize the Browns have to spend the money they have, up to a certain point. They needed some kind of veteran presence at cornerback, and they got it, but at three-years, $21 million? I think they overpaid for a guy who is going on 32 this year, and someone whose best days might be in the past.
The (unfortunate) lasting impression of him from Green Bay’s perspective is going to be the final touchdown given up against Russell Wilson and the Seahawks.
He’ll do well in the Browns’ secondary, but he’s going to have to out-do expectations if he’s going to live up to the contract he was just given.
Make sure to check back to NFLMocks.com for constant free agency updates, analysis, and reactions.