The Los Angeles Rams announced that they are extending a first-round restricted free agent tender on standout cornerback Darious Williams.
Williams is coming off a breakout season for L.A. in 2020 and now will get paid accordingly as a restricted free agent. If Williams returns to the Rams then he will make $4.76 million on the one-year tender.
He is still free to negotiate with other teams, although the Rams have the right of first refusal for any contract offer he receives. Additionally, if the Rams do not match a contract offer from another team then they are entitled to a first-round pick from that team, which makes it increasingly likely that Williams will be back in L.A. in 2021.
With the expected departure of Troy Hill in free agency, Williams will be the Rams’ unquestioned No. 2 cornerback opposite of Jalen Ramsey.
In 16 games in 2020, Williams finished with career-highs across the board, recording 44 total tackles with a team-high four interceptions and 14 pass breakups. He played a big part in the Rams having the No. 1 defense in the league and should continue to be a big part of what they do moving forward.
With the start of free agency taking place this week, it should be a busy period for the Rams, who have work to do to get under the salary cap. Les Snead that the hope is they’ll be able to restructure some contracts as opposed to cutting players, so those moves should take place before the start of the new league year on Wednesday.
