Packers Sign CB Tramon Williams
The Packers have finally added some help to their depleted cornerback group, adding Tramon Williams on a two-year deal Thursday afternoon.
Former Packers wide receiver and current part-time newsbreaker James Jones first reported the signing.
Williams played 13 games with the Arizona Cardinals in 2017, recording two interceptions, 12 passes defensed, and one fumble recovery. He was the ninth rated cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus.
After signing with the Cleveland Browns as a free agent, Williams played under current Packers’ defensive coordinator Mike Pettine in 2015. Pettine was fired before the 2016 season, but Williams remained, ultimately playing 27 games with the Browns during his two years there.
What this means for the Packers
Green Bay’s issues at cornerback are well known. After a season in which they were among the worst in the league against the pass, new general manager Brian Gutekunst shipped the Packers’ best cornerback out in exchange for a backup quarterback and draft considerations. Damarious Randall may have been a locker room malcontent, but he was at least a competent cornerback, and his departure left a void in the secondary.
Williams won’t completely fill that void, but he does add stability to a secondary lacking experience. His familiarity with both Pettine’s defense and Green Bay as a whole should ease his transition back into a Packers uniform.
Before Williams rejoined the team, it seemed almost a given that the Packers would have to spend their top draft pick on a cover man, but with Williams (and any future signings at the position), it’s possible cornerback isn’t a slam dunk in the first round.
We’ve long maintained that the best way to help a weak secondary is to improve pass rush, and between the addition of Muhammad Wilkerson and another blue chip talent in the draft, the Packers could be able to do that.
At the very least, the Packers have another capable player in the secondary. That he happens to be one of the heroes of the 2010 Super Bowl run is a bonus.