New England Patriots rumors: 3 Rams to target in 2022 NFL free agency
Why the New England Patriots should target cornerback Darious Williams
If the New England Patriots aren’t willing to pay J.C. Jackson the big bucks, will they shell out $10 million a year for Los Angeles Rams pending free agent cornerback Darious Williams?
A bit smaller than Jackson, the 27-year-old Williams is coming off a down year with the Rams, but the talent is there, and he could be a player the Patriots, particularly Belichick looks at as a potential replacement even though he is more of a zone type cornerback.
As an every down player for the Rams during their Super Bowl run, Williams has blossomed into a solid starter who still has room to flourish in the right situation. Could the Patriots be that situation if the money is right for both sides?
In New England, the former undrafted rookie free agent would have the opportunity to be the No. 1 cornerback after playing in the shadows of Jalen Ramsey the last two seasons. Like Jackson, who played in the shadows of Stephon Gilmore, Williams was a breakout star in 2020 for the Rams, collecting 4 interceptions in establishing his name.
Not quite Mr. INT like J.C. Jackson, but Belichick should kick the tires on Darious Williams if Jackson does get the big money offer he is expected to get elsewhere.
While there are some interesting names that could come at a cheaper price, adding Williams to the mix of Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Miles Bryant, JoeJuan Williams and Shaun Wade would at least keep that cornerback depth chart decent.