Former Los Angeles Rams cornerback Darious Williams is getting a fresh start and a new contract after winning a Super Bowl. The veteran defensive back has agreed to a three-year deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency. According to PFN’s Aaron Wilson, the Jaguars are signing Williams to a three-year, $30 million with $39 million maximum value and $18 million in full guarantees, according to a league source. Damarius Bilbo and Kelton Crenshaw of KlutchSports negotiated the deal.
Darious Williams signs with Jaguars
Williams, a Jacksonville native, is set to join the Jaguars on a three-year contract valued at $39 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He has played in the shadow of All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey over the past three years but will now get the opportunity to make his mark away from LA.
Williams is coming off a strong fourth season as a key cog for the Rams’ Super Bowl run. He produced 71 tackles and 9 pass breakups playing opposite Ramsey.
Getting to know Williams
Williams, 28, entered the league in 2018 as an undrafted free agent out of UAB. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens and spent half of his rookie season with the squad, appearing in three games on special teams. The Ravens waived Williams in October 2018 and the Rams claimed him. He appeared in just one game during the rest of his rookie year in LA.
Williams quickly became a role player in LA’s defense during his second season in town, appearing in 12 games (three starts). He generated 15 tackles, 4 pass breakups, and 2 interceptions. In 2020, Williams’ play continued to improve, as he produced 44 tackles, 14 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions in 16 games (10 starts).
Last season, the 5-foot-9, 187-pound corner appeared in 14 games (13 starts) and collected 71 tackles and 9 pass breakups.
Who else is left on the market?
Williams was Pro Football Network Lead NFL Analyst Dalton Miller’s 15th overall free agent and fourth-ranked cornerback on the open market.
With Williams locked up, the rest of the cornerback group is still in solid shape. Steven Nelson of the Philadelphia Eagles and Stephon Gilmore of the Carolina Panthers remain open for business.