Is it over yet? Please wake us when all Baltimore Ravens free agents flee the nest.
It happened again, but we knew this one was coming. Another defensive player left on Thursday. Cornerback Cary Williams signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The contract is worth $17 million, $10 million guaranteed.
Williams broke the news via Twitter:
“I just want to thank the Ravens for the opportunity and Ravens Nation for all the love & support,” Williams tweeted after the deal was announced. “Baltimore will always have a special place in my heart!”
The Ravens offered Williams a three-year deal for $15 million before the start of last season. He turned it down and played under the restricted free agency tender and tested the market this offseason.
Williams started on the practice squad of the Tennessee Titans before coming to Baltimore. He worked his way up to starter.
Williams started every game the last two seasons. Last season he had 75 total tackles and four interceptions, two in the playoffs.
His departure was expected. Williams is the fifth defensive player to flee the nest this week, other departures include linebackers Ray Lewis, Dannell Ellerbe and Paul Kruger and safety Bernard Pollard.
Safety Ed Reed met with the Houston Texans on Thursday; he is expected to sign with them.
This wasn’t surprising news. Williams had a good season, but he was hot and cold. I was either yelling at him because he screwed up or I was cheering for him because he made a spectacular play or interception.
He is replaceable and unlike most of Ravens Nation, I’m not sweating his departure.
Zennie Abraham