The general rule of NFL free agency is to stay alert and understand that after the first wave of players make big moves and generate huge news in the first few days of the open period, the real work starts as quality unrestricted free agents looking for the right situation remain available.
And that's where cornerback Greedy Williams fits into the equation. After four seasons with the Cleveland Browns muddled with injury and flashes of strong performance, Williams hit the free agent market looking for something that felt right.
The Eagles presented that opportunity in the form of a one-year contract that the two sides agreed to on Saturday. And the Eagles, with a very strong picture in the cornerback room after re-signing James Bradberry and working out a contract extension with Darius Slay, felt Williams was worth a long look to compete for a roster spot and, ultimately, playing time.
A highly gifted player at LSU, Williams was Cleveland's second-round draft pick in 2019. He led the Southeastern Conference with six interceptions as a redshirt freshman in 2017, had eight in his sophomore season, and was a first-team All-American and Thorpe Award (presented to the nation's top defensive back) finalist in his second season with the Tigers.
Williams' time in the NFL since the Browns used the 46th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on him hasn't been as smooth. He started 12 games as a rookie and showed promise, but in the team's 2020 Training Camp, Williams suffered a nerve injury in his shoulder in a tackling drill and missed the entire campaign.
He came back with some good play in 2021, tying for the team lead with 10 passes defensed, and Williams added two interceptions playing in 16 games with eight starts. Williams played 105 defensive snaps with the Browns last season.
He's here now and the Eagles will be eager to work with a player who has a lot of upside and who, at 6-2, 195 pounds, presents a lot of physical gifts. Can Williams put it all together in a new environment?
That's what both Williams and the Eagles hope happens. He adds the usual – depth and competition – to a room that includes slot corner Avonte Maddox, Zech McPhearson, Josh Jobe, Josiah Scott, and Mario Goodrich, along with the aforementioned Bradberry and Slay.
That's a lot of talent and versatility to work with as the Eagles continue building the roster, challenging the status quo, and searching for gems remaining in the free agent field.
