Los Angeles— Darious Williams, a cornerback, will return to the Los Angeles Rams after two seasons in Jacksonville, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Williams has agreed to a three-year contract worth $22.5 million, with a potential value of $30 million, according to a person who spoke with the AP on the condition of anonymity because the transaction cannot be made official until the new league year begins Wednesday.
Williams got a Super Bowl ring to cap his four seasons with the Rams from 2018 to 2021. The undrafted 5-foot-9 defensive back worked his way into a prominent position with Los Angeles, finishing two years as a strong starting cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey in the Rams’ secondary.
Williams’ accomplishment resulted in a $30 million payoff from the Jaguars, who dismissed him on March 5 with one year remaining on his contract ahead of a switch to a different defensive system. Williams, who made 53 tackles and four interceptions in a stellar 2023 season, started 30 games for Jacksonville over two seasons.
Williams, who turns 31 on Friday, will improve the Los Angeles secondary, which was the defense’s weakest point last season.
Late-round draft cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant have failed to impress in the Rams’ attempts to replenish their secondary from within. Veteran Ahkello Witherspoon, who signed late in the summer and started all 17 games, is a free agent.
Williams appears to be a nice fit for the approach that new Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula plans to implement. While tiny, Williams excelled in practically every assignment during his two seasons as a starter with the Rams, including six interceptions.
Williams is one of the Rams’ free agents, along with tight end Colby Parkinson and guard Jonah Jackson.
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