Tramon Williams might still write his “final chapter” with the Green Bay Packers.
Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine addressed the 37-year-old cornerback’s status as an unrestricted free agent during a video conference call on Friday, revealing the team has discussed the possibility of bringing back Williams for the 2020 season but that his future remains “up in the air.”
“We don’t know how his final chapter is going to be written, whether it’s gonna be here, whether it’s gonna be with another team or whether he decides to retire” Pettine said.
Pettine didn’t hold back when describing Williams’ value to the Packers in 2019, which marked his 13th season in the NFL. Williams played every game, starting in seven of them, and finished the year with 39 tackles, eight pass breakups and two interceptions that proved valuable in a rotation with starting cornerbacks Jaire Alexander and Kevin King.
“He was highly effective for us,” Pettine said. “He’s just that rare player that continues to play at a high level at a position where you wouldn’t expect somebody to play deep into their 30s, one that requires so much of their legs. And obviously, we think very highly of T, but we also understand the big-picture part of it, the business side of it.”
The Packers currently have all 90 spots filled on their 2020 offseason roster, but it would be rather easy for them to clear space if Williams did indeed return for next season. Back in March after the beginning of free agency, Williams told ESPN’s Josina Anderson he was making the Packers his “priority” but also keeping his options open with other teams.
On the flip side, the Packers already have 10 cornerbacks signed to their offseason roster, including several who have at least a year of experience in the system. Chandon Sullivan projects to plug in as the CB3 after a strong showing in 2019, while Josh Jackson and Ka’dar Hollman are also expected to push for more playing time in 2020 without Williams around.
Via: heavy.com