Happy birthday, Tramon Williams. The future Green Bay Packer Hall of Famer has a lot to celebrate today after 13 remarkable NFL seasons in which he’s logged 34 career interceptions. The Packers brought Williams back on a two-year deal before the 2018 season. However, that deal is now up, and the team will have to decide on a guy that is somehow still winning a bout against father time. Is it the end of an era or does a 37-year-old Williams have another year or two left in him?
Williams bounced back last year after an unspectacular year in 2018. In his return season to Green Bay, he failed to record an interception for the first time in his career, despite starting all 16 games. It wasn’t a black eye of a year necessarily for Williams, but the Packers probably expected more. Especially after what he did in the season prior with the Arizona Cardinals.
In his one-year stint with the Cardinals, Pro Football Focus gave Williams a grade of 88.8, which was ninth in the league among qualifying corners. However, what Williams accomplished last season proved his fight with retirement isn’t over. He bounced back, making two interceptions, recovering two fumbles, forcing one, and finishing tied for third on the team with eight defended passes.
As always, Williams was a rock in Green Bay’s secondary.
He may not be able to move as well as he once was, but don’t be mistaken, Williams is still an effective player. Whether it’s lining up on the outside, in the slot, or at safety, the elder statesman of the Packers’ defense still holds his own. Not to mention, his value as a leader in an otherwise young secondary is invaluable.
With the league year expected to start on time in spite of a worldwide health crisis, Green Bay will have to make a decision on Williams very soon. The team knows what they will be getting, but with little cap space to divulge, every dollar is consequential.
Williams’ previous deal paid $10 million over two years. For the team’s return on investment, it was worth it. Again, the Packers will be able to sign him for pretty cheap, but age will catch up with Williams sooner rather than later. That’s the risk. However, he’s still their best starting nickel unless they feel a lesser-experienced Chandon Sullivan is ready for an increased workload in 2020.
At this point, Green Bay might as well sign Williams for one more year as a security blanket and allow the younger guys more time to pick the brain of a proven veteran. It will also give them a better shot at being in contention. With Williams on the roster, the defense is better all-around.
via: cheeseheadtv.com