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Tramon Williams may not be viewed as one of the key reasons the Green Bay Packers made a run to the NFC Championship Game this season. He may not be a name that is given any kind of credit for helping the Packers’ defense take a big leap in 2019 from what they were for years previously.
Despite those facts, Williams is set to hit the open free agency market this offseason. Green Bay has talent at the cornerback position, but they must re-sign him, and there are good reasons to back that statement up.
In 2019 with the Packers, Williams played in all 16 games. He ended up recording 39 total tackles, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries, two interceptions, and eight defended passes. Not bad for a guy who doesn’t receive much credit.
At 36 years old, Williams is the kind of free agent that plenty of contenders will call. He is still capable of making plays, as he showed with Green Bay in 2019. Green Bay cannot afford to let him getaway.
All of that being said, let’s dive in and take a look at two huge reasons the Packers must re-sign Williams this offseason.
The Packers Need Williams’ Veteran Leadership
First up, the Packers need the veteran leadership that Williams brings to the field. He isn’t the most talented player on the field anymore and he isn’t going to shut down opposing wide receivers, but he can play solid football with the experience and IQ that he has from his time in the NFL.
Green Bay has three very young cornerbacks in Jaire Alexander, Kevin King, and Josh Jackson. They may have a ton of talent, but they need veteran leadership and to learn from players who have been where they currently are.
Williams provides that and he is familiar with Mike Pettine’s system. The Packers saw him come through and make a difference in 2019 and they should bring him back on a one-year deal to keep doing exactly what he was doing.
Green Bay Can’t Afford Anything Better Than What Williams Can Give
Secondly, and finally, the Packers have to bring in another cornerback if they let Williams walk. Unfortunately, Brian Gutekunst and company do not have the financial ability to make a big move in free agency. That makes bringing Williams back even more of the obvious choice.
Williams is capable of playing a key role for the Packers. He will never be a lockdown corner again, but he can come in and provide solid depth.
Green Bay should pay him. They aren’t going to get anything else that would be better on the open market. Williams isn’t the key piece to fixing the defense and making a Super Bowl run, but he is a quality piece of that puzzle in a depth capacity.
Via: nflanalysis.net