Cornerback Darious Williams is returning to the Los Angeles Rams, AP source says
FILE - Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Darious Williams (31) leaves the field after an NFL preseason football game against the Miami Dolphins, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jacksonville Jaguars cut veteran cornerback Darious Williams on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, to create $11.5 million in salary cap space. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough, File)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Cornerback Darious Williams is returning to the Los Angeles Rams after two seasons in Jacksonville, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Williams has agreed to terms on a three-year deal for $22.5 million, potentially worth up to $30 million, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move can’t become official until the new league year begins Wednesday.
Williams won a Super Bowl ring to cap his four seasons with the Rams from 2018-21. The undrafted 5-foot-9 defensive back played his way into a major role with Los Angeles, culminating in two years as a solid starting cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey in the Rams’ secondary.
Williams turned his success into a $30 million payday from the Jaguars, who released him on March 5 with one year left on his contract ahead of their move to a different defensive scheme. Williams, who had 53 tackles and four interceptions during a strong 2023 season, started 30 games in two seasons with Jacksonville.
Williams, who turns 31 on Friday, will bolster a Los Angeles secondary that was the defense’s weakest point last season.
Late-round drafted cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant haven’t been impressive in the Rams’ attempts to restock their secondary from within. Veteran Ahkello Witherspoon, a late-summer signer who ended up starting all 17 games, is a free agent.
Williams is apparently a good fit for the scheme that will be used by new Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. While undersized, Williams excelled in almost any assignment during his two seasons as a starter for the Rams, highlighted by six interceptions during his tenure.
Williams joins tight end Colby Parkinson and guard Jonah Jackson in the Rams’ crop of free agents this week.
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