Tramon Williams Is the Browns' Best Free-Agent Move so Far

The Cleveland Browns have, thus far, taken a conservative approach to free agency. But that's not to say that they haven't made any key signings. In fact, they significantly upgraded the quality of their already impressive secondary by bringing on free-agent cornerback Tramon Williams, formerly of the Green Bay Packers.

The 32-year-old Williams signed a three-year, $21 million deal to replace Buster Skrine, who joined the New York Jets as a free agent. He also provides a buffer between the Browns' three second-year cornerbacks: Justin Gilbert, Pierre Desir and K'Waun Williams. The trio of young players can continue to develop while the talented Williams works on the outside along Joe Haden.

There may be some qualms at giving a player over 30 years old—especially a cornerback—such a lucrative-seeming contract, but a closer examination of the numbers appears to indicate the signing of another mentor and a bridge starter. In fact, it would be smarter to think of Williams' deal as a two-year, $10 million contract, because that's exactly what it is.

Signing Bonus	$1.5 million	Fully Guaranteed
2015 Base Salary	$3.7 million	Fully Guaranteed
2016 Base Salary	$6.2 million	$2.8 Guaranteed
"Total" Value	$21 Million	$10 Million Guaranteed

Broken down by Spotrac, it goes like this: Williams will be making $10 million guaranteed—his $1.5 million signing bonus, his $3.7 million base salary for 2015 and $2.8 million of his $6.2 million base salary in 2016. Looking at it that way, it's clear the Browns don't see Williams as a long-term member of the roster, but rather someone who represents an upgrade over their other options for maybe no more than the 2015 season.

Even given Williams' age, he's showed no signs of slowing down. He started all 16 games in 2014 and had 65 combined tackles, 14 passes defensed, three interceptions and a fumble recovery. He was Pro Football Focus' 34th-ranked cornerback for the season (out of 108); Skrine, meanwhile, ranked 82nd.

Player	Tgts.	Rec.	Rec.%	Yds	YAC	TD	INT	Penalty
Skrine	123	70	56.9%	864	260	8	4	17
Williams	98	63	64.3%	743	331	8	3	4

Though each allowed eight touchdowns, Williams allowed fewer receiving yards and, most notably, had just four penalties to Skrine's 17. All for $3 million less in guaranteed money than what Skrine received from the Jets.

Further, though much was made of Skrine's versatility in the days and weeks leading up to free agency, he's most comfortable as a slot or nickel corner—likely the role he'll be playing in New York, given the signings of Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. He played well as a converted player in 2014, but Williams is a lifer on the outside. 

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There's no reason to think that K'Waun Williams, Desir or Gilbert aren't already good players or lack the capacity to become starters in the future. But all three are quite young and mostly inexperienced. And cornerback has a steep learning curve in the NFL.

By adding Williams to mentor these players alongside Haden, the chances for all three to be ready for full-time duty in 2016 increase. All three have question marks right now that Williams does not. He's proven; and right now, proven is more desirable to the Browns than the fresh legs of a second-year player.

The Browns were able to not only address, but also upgrade, a position of need via free agency at an affordable price. That's the very template of a smart free-agency signing and, indeed, Williams is the best they've made yet.