The veteran cornerback is not on an NFL roster right now, but don’t be surprised if he makes a return to Green Bay closer to the season.
When you’re a veteran NFL player without a contract in early June, nothing is a sure thing. That is certainly the case for former Green Bay Packers cornerback Tramon Williams, whose contract expired in March and who remains a free agent at this time.
But Williams is in an unusual position, one that gives him far better odds than most players in his situation to end up back with his former team when the season rolls around. First of all, Williams has 13 years of NFL experience under his belt. Secondly, he knows the Packers organization tremendously well, having played ten years for the team including each of the last two. And he has three seasons playing under the Packers’ current defensive coordinator, again including each of the past two.
In short, Williams — who is famously diligent about his diet and physical fitness — could come in on a week’s notice and be ready to go in Mike Pettine’s defense. Having that ace in the hole is almost like giving the Packers a 91st roster spot, provided no other team tries to pull the 37-year-old off the free-agent heap.
The Packers may not end up bringing back Williams, particularly if their young cornerbacks impress in training camp. But if Brian Gutekunst determines that he needs some added depth and veteran savvy in the secondary bu midway through training camp (whenever that happens), Williams will surely get a phone call and should be ready to go within hours.