Veteran cornerback Tramon Williams will get the first crack at replacing Ha Ha Clinton-Dix at safety in the Green Bay Packers secondary.
According to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Williams confirmed he is making the transition from cornerback to safety for defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who once used Williams at safety during their time together in Cleveland.
Williams, now 35, signed a two-year deal to return to Green Bay this offseason and started the first seven games at cornerback.
In 2016, Williams started at least two games for Pettine at safety, so the transition isn’t a new one for either player or coach.
Williams moving back to safety opens up a spot at cornerback, where the Packers have options. In addition to starters Jaire Alexander and Kevin King, the Packers will now rely more on rookie Josh Jackson and newcomer Bashaud Breeland, a veteran who signed in late September. Tony Brown, an undrafted free agent from Alabama, is also on the roster.
The move provides continuity in the secondary despite losing Clinton-Dix, allows Pettine to get his best players on the field and keeps the other two safeties receiving snaps – Kentrell Brice and Jermaine Whitehead – locked into their current roles.
Brice has been a starter, while Whitehead has played a featured role as a subpackage linebacker and third safety.
The Packers will unveil Williams at safety on Sunday night against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
Through seven games, Williams has 25 tackles and zero passes defended.