There's a lot of Value in Bringing Back Tramon Williams
Although Tramon Williams will be turning 37-years-old before the upcoming season, there is still plenty of value that the can provide to the Green Bay Packers in 2020.
By Paul_Bretl
Right now names like Bryan Bulaga, Mason Crosby, and Blake Martinez are receiving quite a bit of attention in terms of Green Bay's pending free agent class. But one name that has flown a bit under the radar and one that I think there is plenty of value in bringing back, is Tramon Williams.
In Williams first season back in Titletown during 2018, it was a bit hectic, to say the least. Instead of locking into one primary role, according to Pro Football Focus, Williams was lined up all over the place. He took 122 snaps in the box, another 190 in the slot, 360 out wide, and an additional 383 as the free safety with that position being the mess that it was.
But fortunately, 2019 was different. With the emergence of Chandon Sullivan and a healthy Kevin King along side of the one and only Jaire Alexander, the cornerback position finally had some stability. Meanwhile, a revamped safety position led by Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage allowed Williams to focus on his primary responsibility, which was as the slot corner. And he excelled.
While at 36-years-old and nearing 37, Williams isn't the same athlete that he once was but as Mike Pettine has pointed out, being a successful slot corner is so much more than just athleticism:
"The elite nickels, slot corners in the league are the ones that have a high football intellect, they have some savvy there. There's a lot more thinking involved in the nickel than there is playing outside, and this is a guy who's seen it all. He understands how to play with leverage, he understands how to disguise. He just has that wealth of experience."
And as Pettine put it, that savvy that Williams possesses led him to an excellent 2019 season for the Green Bay Packers. In 539 coverage snaps, Williams allowed a completion percentage of 63.5, gave up only two touchdowns, had two interceptions, five pass-breakups, and opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating of just 86.5 when targeting him.
In fact, take this as you will, but Pro Football Focus' final coverage grade of 82.2 for Williams was the seventh best among all cornerbacks in 2019.
However, as I've already mentioned, Williams will turn 37 before the new season begins, so it's fair to wonder if he can find similar success in 2020. And as the old saying goes, it's always better to move on from a player a year too soon rather than a year too late.
While these are certainly valid concerns, I still think there is tremendous value in bringing Williams back for another year.
For one, as it's been pointed out already, he's coming off of a very good season and that veteran savvy that he has carries a lot of weight as a slot corner. So if the question is, can he duplicate his 2019 season? At this point in his career, the odds probably say no. But can he still be effective? I absolutely believe that he can be.
Next, I think adding more depth at cornerback is an offseason move that hasn't received much attention at this point but is a move that needs to be made. The Packers have a great core in Alexander and King, not to mention that Sullivan looks like a real player. But after those three, we run into question marks.
Of course, Williams is a pending free agent, while Josh Jackson barely saw the field in 2019 and when he did, it wasn't pretty. Ka'dar Hollman flashed in the preseason but is still a late round pick coming off his rookie season, so we don't really know what Green Bay has in him just yet. And in case you forgot, the Packers cut Tony Brown.
Whether they find their solution in free agency or with an early to mid-round draft pick, in addition to Alexander, King, and Sullivan, the Packers need someone who can step in and play meaningful snaps in 2020. So why not an experienced slot corner like Williams who knows Pettine's defense and the players around him?
Lastly, re-signing Williams would be a relatively low risk deal for Green Bay. Williams is coming off of a two year deal with an average annual value of $5 million, it's very realistic to think that they could bring him back on a one year deal in that same price range- if not cheaper - with little dead cap repercussions if they do end up having to move on from him.
Now, having said all of that, I still don't think that Williams falls into the "must re-sign" category that is reserved for Bulaga and Crosby. However, he does certainly fall into the "bring him back at the right price" category and bringing him back should be on the offseason to-do list.
It's clear that Williams is still playing at a fairly high-level, Green Bay needs more bodies in the cornerback room, it isn't going to break the bank to bring him back, and perhaps most importantly, if someone else emerges in 2020 or for an unexpected reason Williams' play falls off a cliff, reducing his snap count or even moving on from him likely won't be an issue.
In Brian Gutekunst's end of the season press conference, in talking about Bulaga, Crosby, and WIlliams, he discussed how important these three were to this Packers team and how he'd like to have all three of them back in 2020. Well Gutey, I wholeheartedly agree, so let's make it happen and make sure that Tramon Williams is apart of Green Bay's upcoming season.
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__________________________
Born and raised in Green Bay, WI and I still call it home. After my family, watching the Packers, sharing my opinions on the team through my writing and interacting with other fans is my greatest passion. You can find me on Twitter at @Paul_Bretl.
Comments (58)
Lare
January 30, 2020 at 06:41 am
Everyone has their opinions on who the Packers should resign or not for next season. IMO, the losses to the 49ers showed that the Packers need to improve their team speed in almost every position.
In life, you're either moving forward, standing still or moving backwards. What would re-signing Williams be?
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:20 am
If you take PFF at face value, even allowing for a decline, change may actually be moving backwards at slot based on his performance this year. Never thought I would say this, but I would bring him back based on likely cost and availability of a ready to play close to par replacement.
Stroh
January 31, 2020 at 10:39 pm
By the rationale of improving team speed, would you then move forward without Davante Adams? He's quite slow in comparison to NFL WR. So we should release Adams and elevate MVS to #1 WR. A position where speed is highly sought after
There's alot more to the game than just speed.
stockholder
January 30, 2020 at 07:27 am
5 mil. here. 5 mil. there. 10 mil. here, 10 mil. there. And where is the improvement? Williams gave us his all. Thank You. But we just can't keep rewarding average/age. . The packers need to take the next step. SF showed this defense needs more. With more glaring needs. Save the $$$ for the player/players this club must have.
dobber
January 30, 2020 at 08:16 am
If you're suggesting that the Packers got beat by SF the way they did because Tramon was the #3 CB, I think you need to rewatch that game.
Since'61
January 30, 2020 at 08:36 am
Cookie! Thanks, Since ‘61
stockholder
January 30, 2020 at 10:24 am
I wasn't suggesting that. It would be an insult to his intelligence to take less.
HankScorpio
January 30, 2020 at 11:46 am
With all the cash they spent last year in free agency, they will need to make some hard choices. That spending spree worked out great but there is a cost. You can't pay everyone. That's just how the cap works.
Thegravedigger
January 31, 2020 at 03:07 am
San fran exploited us with there unique oldschool fullback first 2 wr sets. Tramon was not a big part of that game. Cus we needed a lb and a dl that weren't on the roster. But the other 14 wins, tramon was more than solid. Teams barely threw his way. So for 4 mil a year max i think id try one more year. But id also shop around a lil too. I like sullivan but hes not gonna run with the little quick slot guys.
Lphill
January 30, 2020 at 08:06 am
Bring him back as an assistant DB coach. He can help the new coach a great deal.
JonathanSpader
January 30, 2020 at 08:11 am
Another FA flying under the radar is Kyler Fackrell. With the Smith brothers breaking out amd fans pinning their hopes on Gary's 2nd year jump no one is talking about a guy who had 10.5 sacks in 2018 and very little on paper in 2019.
Market value should determine Fackrell's fate and I think another team could overpay. If he does move on the Packers are thin at OLB. It becomes a need in 2020's draft for a althetic project player in the later rounds. Who could be used on ST.
jannesbjornson
January 30, 2020 at 03:04 pm
He has not Improved to get big cash.
Leatherhead
January 30, 2020 at 07:51 pm
Guarantee that Fackrell will be signed by somebody to start and he’ll get paid like it.
Stroh
January 31, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Fackrell is gone. Next year Smith, Smith and Gary are 1, 1a,1b on the depth chart and they still have Tim Williams on the PS. They could bring in a mid round pick to compete with Williams.
Some team will see Fackrells 10 sack season and buy in that he's capable of duplicating it. He's NOT. Let some other team make that mistake. He's over matched in run D as well. He was a good backup, but that's all he'll ever be.
dobber
January 30, 2020 at 08:17 am
I think the Packers will pick up at least one more CB in the draft and FA, and will thank Tramon for his service and let him ride off into the sunset. Chandon Sullivan seems to be a really nice find, and they seem to like the developmental potential of Hollman and Kabion Ento. Still, CB is a high-attrition position, and you need to have lots of them who can play. I'm reticent to suggest what I think a reasonable cap number for a guy like TWill would be, but I suspect that if he wants to keep playing, he's going to have to settle for one-year deals at a number well below the $5M cap number he had last year.
Guam
January 30, 2020 at 08:42 am
Agreed Dobber. The only way Twill comes back is at the veteran minimum or just above it. He has been an wonderful player for the Packers including the just concluded season, but 37 is ancient for a CB and they have younger players who need playing time to develop.
The Packers have greater needs than CB (DL and ILB) that do not match up well with this year's draft. An extra $5 million in cap space would be really helpful to plug those holes through free agency.
jannesbjornson
January 30, 2020 at 11:50 am
2 M per year maximum.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:23 am
On the basis of his performance last year, even discounted for age a and decline, I don’t see his fair value at much below what he got this year.
Handsback
January 30, 2020 at 08:26 am
Tramon continues to play very good football, why give up on that? Green Bay will draft another CB to add to their depth, and after next year you will know if Tramon has enough to go again. It's not complex, you keep signing him to one year contracts until his performance isn't worth it.
Now for all who think the Packers have enough CBs...I beg to differ. Jamie took a step backwards-not good. King played all season and he played pretty good, not great but pretty good. I think Green Bay needs steady play from their CBs and maybe Gray will make Jamie a more consistent player, but if a great CB happens to be available at 30, you make the pick. You need at least one great CB, and right now Green Bay doesn't have one. They have two pretty good players, but no player that other teams avoid.
splitpea1
January 30, 2020 at 03:17 pm
No--if the Packers want to draft a CB, it'll have to wait to the mid-rounds. Or they could sign a reasonably-priced free agent. The talent level has to be improved in other areas first.
JamesLofton
January 30, 2020 at 08:55 am
PFF graded Tramon 8th in cornerback ratings. Just doesn't make sense to let him walk if we can sign him for $3-$5 million.
RCPackerFan
January 30, 2020 at 09:09 am
If the price is right I would bring WIlliams back. Just for his veteran Leadership alone is worth that.
Williams played well all year.
I wouldn't be surprised if they waited until after the draft though. Maybe see what they bringing during the draft first.
Leatherhead
January 30, 2020 at 11:44 am
Leadership is good, but set that aside for a moment and look at the math.
Four starters: Amos, Savage, Alexander, King.
#5 is Williams, and we play A LOT of 5 DB looks.
Beyond this group, we have question marks. Green, Sullivan, Campbell, Jackson, Hollaman, etc. etc. etc. None of these guys has a track record of success in the NFL, but they each could get better. OF course, that kind of depends on the leadership of guys like Tramon and Amos.
On the practice field, in the meeting rooms, during film study.....having a guy like Tramon in the group is a plus.
Even without the leadership, he's clearly one of our 5 best DBs.
However...……..
I've been slow mo-ing the SF games, especially the gashing runs. I'm not going to name any names, but there were multiple instances of the defensive secondary players not playing the run real well, and by that, I mean hit the guy instead of grabbing at him. When you set an NFL record for crappy run defense, there's a lot of people involved and we're going to have a hard time stopping the run without some more aggressive tackling efforts by our DBs.
CAG123
January 30, 2020 at 12:29 pm
Where was Blake?
Leatherhead
January 30, 2020 at 07:58 pm
Martinez was in different assignments. On the first TD run, for example, he came in off the edge untouched on a 3rd and 8, but the handoff had already taken place. The only guy that had a shot was #91 but he didn’t make the play.
I’m going to have a breakdown of what happened on the big plays against us soon enough. If you think it was mostly Martinez, you are going to be surprised.
Since'61
January 30, 2020 at 10:27 am
There is value in Twill’s experience but his age is also a factor. If the price is right, which is about $2 million or less for me, I would resign. Much more than that and it may be time to move on. Thanks, Since ‘61
Stroh
January 31, 2020 at 10:59 pm
He just got done outplaying a 2yr 10M deal. Sign him to one yr 4M and walk away happy you got another bargain year from him. If he plays really well again then do another one yr deal. This isn't rocket science.
Bearmeat
January 30, 2020 at 11:29 am
Why does everyone think Bulaga is a "must re-sign?" Look, he's been great. He was great this year. But the dude is a walking injury risk and he's going to get P-A-I-D on the open market. I do not want a north of 30 RT with an extensive injury history, making 15m AAV (or more!) for 3 years.
If I were Bulaga, I'd want the money too. I wouldn't take a hometown discount. If I were the Packers, I'd offer him a modest 2-year contract and let him walk when he (rightly) balks. It's time to draft an OT. I'd personally sign Veldheer for cheap and let the rook and Veldheer battle it out. I could also see moving Turner and trying Taylor at RG... He wasn't great at LG last year... but for the money they signed both of them for... Not a great situation for sure.
Oh yeah, and I want Tramon back too.
stockholder
January 30, 2020 at 11:19 am
Because everybody sees the Pff Ratings only. Some Rookies can replace veterans. You just have to draft someone that can. Next is the pay scale per Ratings/Position. Combining the two salaries of Bulaga and Veldheer won't create any Cap space. And If you want the back-up signed, you have DOUBTS. Is Bulaga a sure thing? NOT THAT I CARE TO SPEND 14 MILon // Or the Position. Sooner or later they will have to draft this position again. Might as well be this year.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:28 am
Draft a first year starter at tackle? That’s a brave move with Rodgers as our QB! Your comment actually just about convinced me that bringing Bulaga back is a no brainer unless the cost is ridiculous.
jannesbjornson
January 30, 2020 at 11:53 am
Taylor is gone.
flackcatcher
January 31, 2020 at 11:15 pm
Unless Lindsey (dang, never can spell his name) gone first. Only Gute knows for sure...
Guam
January 30, 2020 at 05:02 pm
Why do I think Bulaga is an important resign - protecting QB1. Rodgers is getting older, less mobile and more brittle and if he goes down, so does the Packer season. Bulaga is one of the better pass blockers in the league. I don't think you resign Bulaga at any price, but you certainly try to resign him at a responsible price ($10-12 mil).
If you don't resign him, you better hope your draft choice works out. And you are pretty much restricting the Packers to using their first round choice at OT - BPA just went out the window.
stockholder
January 31, 2020 at 08:17 am
And if Bulaga gets hurt again? Which will happen ! (it's his history) Your point just went out the door. And now your on the hook for his contract. I believe a 3rd gets you a guard and Tackle. And I believe are back-ups will do just as good. Remember it's RT not LT. My hope is Gute goes after rd. 3 picks this year, and drafts his RT. and IOL. But to do that he must sign Defense first. And he may just pass on Wrs early, knowing other needs, and having Rodgers yet.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:36 am
True of almost any premium position starter. Unless you are convinced that you have competent youth behind him, you are rolling the dice on a draft pick at a position that is key to our team in particular given that it’s based around AR.
Are we better off with currently no starting RT, or one that may miss time? Unless they see the future on the roster, letting Bulaga go would be at odds with a win next year approach. Signing a good FA, if one is even available, will likely cost more. A draft pick is a huge gamble in win now years.
Leatherhead
January 30, 2020 at 12:09 pm
Bearmeat, here's my math on Bulaga.
We have 8 active OL and one more on the 53 . Right now, we have the following 8 people under contract who are all younger than Bulaga: Bakhtiari, Jenkins, Linsley, Taylor, Turner, Patrick , Light, Madison. All except Bakhtiari will make far less than the estimated $10/year Bulaga will command. Madison and Light are minimum wagers, Patrick just signed a modest two year deal. Jenkins is on his rookie deal.
Turner is a $7.5 million cap hit. Lane Taylor is $6 million. Minus the dead money, etc., you don't really save much money in exchange for blowing a hole in the line that you're expecting to protect your quarterback and open holes in the running game.
Especially considering Bakhtiari has no proven backup, I think there's a reasonable argument to be made for getting a really good OT in the draft. I'm assuming Bulaga will not be resigned and that Light will be given first shot at RT but that Turner will eventually play RT and Lane Taylor will be the RG. Lucas Patrick and Cole Madison are interior backups.
jannesbjornson
January 30, 2020 at 12:20 pm
Lindsley is at $ 10.5 M against the CAP. His contract and Bhaktiari's contract is up after the 2020 season. It would seem Bhaktiari, the only ALL-PRO in the lineup would be the priority re-signing. A lot of talent in this draft with the OTs. Bulaga replaced Tauscher. That's how it goes. Do not see the value of Taylor in LaFleur's offense.
dobber
January 30, 2020 at 02:40 pm
I agree in that they need to be looking long and hard at OTs in this draft. You can only resign Bakhtiari if he wants to be resigned...and he'll be 30 at the outset of FA in 2021, too. If he decides he wants to hit the open market once in his career, there's nothing the Packers can do about that. An early resign is buying out his ability to hit the open market...it won't come cheaply for a player of his profile.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:41 am
They need to focus on Tackle. The change is coming and they can’t afford to be left with nothing when Bakh’s negotiators get going. Thus we need two or three developing with potential starter upside.
Perhaps one of them is on the O line now, perhaps Nijman is exciting them. I don’t see the odds on Light being a preferred starter as good. So I would hope for an early pick and a developmental one even if Bulaga is resigned.
CAG123
January 30, 2020 at 12:26 pm
You think Turner is good enough to play RT? I mean Denver still has issues on their line so why would a team let a capable RT in his prime go?
HankScorpio
January 30, 2020 at 01:14 pm
They wouldn't. And didn't. The Packers overpaid for him. Russ Ball sucks as a capologist. He needs to get fired last year. Since we haven't invented time travel, today will have to do. I'm not holding my breath. By many accounts, his boss wanted to promote him 2 years ago before he was talked out of that horrific idea.
And it is a huge deal. Lots of people don't pay much attention to the cap. But it is vital to maintaining success.
Bearmeat
January 30, 2020 at 02:09 pm
"Russ Ball Sucks." Period.
Fixed that for you. Thank God he's not the GM.
Leatherhead
January 30, 2020 at 08:02 pm
This would be the “I know more than Gute” argument.. And smarter than Russ Ball, too.
When was the last time we weren’t in good shape, cap-wise? 2004-2005.
jannesbjornson
January 30, 2020 at 03:03 pm
Turner played LG pretty well for them. See what shakes out in March.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:45 am
I don’t know if Turner is good enough, but Denver thought he had potential, which is why they tried to keep him and his cost went up.
CAG123
January 30, 2020 at 01:18 pm
I really would like to see more of a BB mind set when it comes to players in these positions similar to what they did with HHCD if you know you're not going to resign them why not get something for them? Now the Packers go into the offseason with limited cap, decisions to make about who to resign and improvements needed at ILB, DL and WR there's definitely more questions than answers. Blake and Bulaga probably could have fetched a second and third now they'll probably lose them for nothing and wait for comp pics.
Thegravedigger
January 31, 2020 at 03:00 am
U wanna trade the signal caller of the defense and the starting right tackle during a 13 and 3 season? Come on man. The fans wouldve lost there shit. And even if your talking about trading them during 2018, its a bad idea because they were big parts of this team falling one game short of the super bowl. And its all about the superbowl i get it. We fell one game short but it was still an awesome season and you don't trade your win now pieces when your capable of winning now.
CAG123
January 31, 2020 at 08:05 am
Both could be leaving for nothing and creating holes that they need to fill NOW anyway so what difference does is make? You’re willing to go in for one season then possibly have unknowns filling the position anyway. Who cares about the fans losing their shit it’s a business at the end of the day and one you should stay ahead of the curve on. You know how many times BB shipped valuable contributors from his def/off during a contract year? Deion Branch was a SBMVP see ya! Chandler Jones their leading pass rusher bye! Richard Seymour peace out! Even Gronk wasn’t going to be safe. It’s business nothing personal.
Thegravedigger
January 31, 2020 at 11:21 pm
The difference is deon branch helped them actually win a superbowl. Blake and bulaga were key cogs of this 14 and 3 team. I understand its business and maybe if they did it before the season started with martinez i would understand it. But then they would still have to replace him. Even if they got a second rounder for him, rogers is 36 yrs old, and martinez had a good 2018. It was a contract year for him, and maybe with a healthy mike daniels and a step forward from montravious or lancaster, blakes season would of looked better. My point is yes it is a business, but we were 14 and 3 with an aging qb. You dont trade your senior guys when the window is small. Tom brady is still playing after deon branch was sent packing 20 years ago.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:50 am
A comp pick doesn’t make us better unless it nets a better player. The odds in both cases would have been long. Gute has had a lot to fix and T was hardly top of the priority list and Martinez’s cost was reasonable and he remained our best ILB. Don’t let your best leave if price is reasonable till he is surpassed by others. That clearly has not happened.
CAG123
January 31, 2020 at 01:12 pm
My point wasn’t about comp picks my point is about the situation the Packers currently find themselves in they probably aren’t going to resign Blake and Bulaga and they probably knew that before the season ended. So why not get something for them now? He has a lot to fix and now has two more holes to plug every move you make in the NFL is a gamble so you might as well gamble on your terms. Whether it’s this year or this past season someone’s going to have to step up.
mbpacker
January 30, 2020 at 12:41 pm
I support bringing Williams back for the right price. Maybe I'm wrong, but he doesn't seem to be the type that would try and gouge the Packers. He knows his playing career is winding down and he is on a team that has a shot at the Super Bowl. Maybe it would depend on what team he would go to. He brings so much experience and has all the attributes that everyone is familiar with. Besides, he takes care of his body, does yoga, and while not the athlete he once was, I don't view him as a liability either. Plus, as has been already discussed, he is a great mentor and a on filed coach for our young guys. Hope it can be worked out. He is a pro's pro!
Razer
January 30, 2020 at 01:08 pm
If you are trying to save money so that you can rebuild via free agency or retain your studs like Kenny Clark then you let Tramon go. The risk you run is having a bunch of young defensive backs who don't know how to be a pro. Tramon's biggest value may be in developing a professional attitude in the DB ranks. Of course, we hired a new coach who appears to have a drill sergeant approach so maybe we don't need the mentoring.
As for the right side of the O-Line - it needs attention. I just don't think that you come into a new season without a proven answer at RT. I think that we could upgrade center and right guard without much risk but a bona fide RT is a must. Maybe Gutekunst and Russ Ball can work some contract magic with Bulaga to get us through a couple more years.
jannesbjornson
January 30, 2020 at 03:07 pm
Walsh started three rookies as DBs and won a super bowl the same season.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:53 am
But just because it is possible does not mean that it is not a strategy that is very, very unlikely to succeed.
HankScorpio
January 30, 2020 at 01:25 pm
I like Tramon Williams a lot. But the "right price" should be about 50% less than last year. He didn't do anything to deserve that kind of cut except grow one year older, play on a team that spent a lot of cash last year and mentor Chandon Sullivan into playing pretty darn good. That sucks for him. But the NFL can be a cold business and the salary cap is a cruel part of it.
However it plays out, I wish him the best. He'll forever be a Packer in my eyes. I have a lot of fond memories dating back to wondering if I could really believe what my eyes told me about this unknown kid tearing up the defensive backfield.
Coldworld
January 31, 2020 at 11:56 am
Most performance trackers disagree in terms of value for performance, even if not to the extreme extent that PFF suggests.
Doug Niemczynski
January 31, 2020 at 05:52 pm
Cut him