Defensive tackle Brandon Williams has signed a new contract to remain a member of the Baltimore Ravens. The new deal lasts five years, and pays out $53 million, with $27.5 million in guarantees. Williams spent the first four years of his NFL career with the franchise and both teams clearly wanted to maintain that relationship. During that span, Williams developed a reputation as one of the NFL’s most underrated talents, helping to make the Ravens run defense one of the league’s best. The 28-year-old had a rough 2016, but the future looks bright.
Ravens are re-signing DT Brandon Williams, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 10, 2017
For the #Ravens and @_sportstrust client @brandonW66 contract 5yrs, $54M, $27.5M guar. Highest paid NT in NFL
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2017
Brandon Williams Re-Signs With the Baltimore Ravens
Brandon Williams had a rough 2016 season, but then again, everyone on the Baltimore Ravens did. In the two seasons before, Pro Football Focus gave Williams really positive grades, 84 and 85 respectively.
ESPN.com named Brandon Williams their best free agent this year, and the Ravens have to consider themselves fortunate to have been able to retain him. Williams isn’t an elite pass rusher, but he chews up blocks, and is extremely effective against the run. Considering that Williams didn’t even go to a division one school, the success he’s had and to be ranked so high is a great honor.
What’s Next?
The Baltimore Ravens will miss Williams, but they already have his replacement. Michael Pierce played well for the Ravens in spots last year, and it looks like he’ll step up and take Williams’ place. At the end of the day, Williams played his way into a more expensive contract, but an off year made him expendable.
Baltimore has a history of dominant defensive tackles. From Tony Siragusa to Haloti Ngata, and now Williams to Pierce, the purple and black have always had talent inside. Is Williams a great player or just a product of Baltimore’s front seven? There’s only one way to find out.
