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Greedy Williams

Eagles Release CB Greedy Williams

August 19th, 2023 at 9:50am CST by Ben Levine

The Eagles have made a handful of roster moves this morning, including releasing cornerback Greedy Williams (per ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Twitter). The team also released punter Ty Zentner and waived/injured wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, defensive tackle Noah Elliss, and cornerback Zech McPhearson.

With five new roster openings, the Eagles have signed defensive tackles Robert Cooper, Marvin Wilson, and Caleb Sanders and linebackers Tyreek Maddox-Williams and Quinton Bell.

Williams spent the first four seasons of his career with the Browns. The second-round pick started all 12 of his appearances as a rookie, but after missing the 2020 season with a shoulder injury, the defensive back found himself in and out of the lineup following his return. He started eight of his 16 appearances in 2021, and he was limited to only one start in 11 games this past season.

The 25-year-old inked a one-year deal with the Eagles this offseason. As Pro Football Network’s Adam Caplan tweets, Williams is owed $600K of the $1.35MM contract he inked with Philly.

Zentner’s release doesn’t come as a huge surprise. The Kansas State product was added as an undrafted free agent during the offseason and was expected to provide some competition at the position. This move likely means that Arryn Siposs will serve as the Eagles’ punter for a third-straight season.

Among the team’s additions, Bell has the most NFL experience. The 2019 seventh-round pick got into five games with the Buccaneers in 2020, although he didn’t record a stat. He’s spent much of the past two years with the Falcons organization, getting into four games while splitting his snaps between defense and special teams.

As for the trio of waived/injured players, Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer tweets that the Eagles expect all three players to clear waivers and revert to injured reserve. While Cleveland, Elliss, and McPhearson wouldn’t be able to play for Philly during the 2023 campaign, the Eagles would retain their rights.

CB Greedy Williams Agrees To Terms With Eagles

March 16th, 2023 at 8:33pm CST by Ely Allen

As the Browns bring in one 2019 second-round pick who has failed to live up to expectations, it appears they will not be returning another as cornerback Greedy Williams has agreed to a new contract to join the Eagles, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The 25-year-old is set to join the NFL’s 2022 runner-up for another run in 2023.

As a rookie, Williams started 12 games, missing a four-game stretch near the beginning of the season. He failed to nab an interception and only tallied two passes defensed as he struggled initially in coverage, but he was a strong defender against the run. Williams was forced to miss the 2020 season as he dealt with nerve issues in his shoulder.

Coming back from the injury in 2021, Williams had perhaps his strongest season. While Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome would serve as starters throughout the year, Williams played a large role, as well, playing in every game but one and starting eight contests. Williams received the third-largest snap share out of the cornerbacks room, playing just over half the team’s defensive snaps. Williams was productive in his second season on the field, as well, reeling in two interceptions and breaking up 10 pass attempts.

This most recent season saw injuries return to bite the young corner as he would start the year on injured reserve. Williams would return to the lineup after missing the team’s first five games, but following a 2-5 start to the season, the Browns began to search for possible trade partners willing to give up some value for Williams. With Williams future in Cleveland in question, his playing time plummeted to the point that he was only playing on special teams in the waning weeks of the season.

Williams now finds himself in a secondary with two veteran, established cornerbacks in James Bradberry, who re-signed this week, and Darius Slay, who narrowly avoided release and signed an extension today. Williams will find himself competing mainly with Avonte Maddox for backup snaps in Philadelphia. If he can return to his 2021 form, the Eagles will have four capable corners roaming in the secondary.

Browns CB Greedy Williams Drawing Trade Interest

October 27th, 2022 at 8:17pm CST by Ben Levine

Greedy Williams recently returned to the lineup for the Browns, and rival teams are starting to look into his availability. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler writes that the Browns have “received multiple calls” on the cornerback. However, the reporter cautions that nothing is imminent.

[RELATED: Browns’ Kareem Hunt Available For Trade?]

Per Fowler, the Browns could consider moving on from a handful of veterans following a 2-5 start to the season, including four consecutive losses. While the front office could prioritize a strong roster in anticipation of Deshaun Watson‘s eventual return, the team is eyeing tough upcoming matchups against the Bengals, Dolphins, and Bills. Ultimately, it could be in Cleveland’s best interest to focus on next season.

Williams suffered a hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve in September. He returned to the lineup in Week 6, collecting one tackle while appearing in about half of his team’s defensive snaps. He saw a smaller role in Week 7, getting into only 14 percent of the defense’s snaps. Williams will continue to see a role for the time being, but he might take a backseat once Denzel Ward returns and joins Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson Jr. in the lineup.

After missing the entire 2020 season with a shoulder injury, Williams started eight of his 16 games for Cleveland in 2021. In his 28 appearances heading into this season, the former second-round pick collected 88 tackles and a pair of interceptions.

Browns Activate CB Greedy Williams From IR

October 15th, 2022 at 12:37pm CST by Ben Levine

Greedy Williams is set to make his season debut tomorrow against the Patriots. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (on Twitter), the Browns have activated the cornerback from injured reserve. The team has also promoted cornerback Herb Miller and wide receiver Chester Rogers from the practice squad.

Williams suffered a hamstring injury that led to him being placed on IR in early September, and he returned to practice earlier this month. After missing the entire 2020 season with a shoulder injury, the former second-round pick started eight of his 16 games for Cleveland in 2021, collecting 41 tackles, 10 passes defended, and a pair of picks. It won’t take long for Williams to make his way back into the lineup, especially with Denzel Ward ruled out for tomorrow’s game with a concussion.

“Everything has been crisp and clean,” Williams said of his recovery (via Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal). “Just out there making plays and re-establishing myself. I build that trust back with the team, and they see I am ready. That is all that matters.”

Meanwhile, the Browns will not activate recently acquired linebacker Deion Jones from IR this week. The Falcons sent Jones to the Browns for a minimal trade haul (a sixth-round pick swap in 2024), unloading his through-2023 contract to Cleveland. The Browns designated Jones for return this week.

Cleveland acquired a six-year starter in Jones, 27, but a player who has spent the season on IR. Jones underwent shoulder surgery in May, and although he returned to practice in August and played in a preseason game, the Falcons still stashed him on IR. He is expected to be ready to debut for his new team in Week 7, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes (on Twitter).

Miller will likely see a special teams role tomorrow, with the 24-year-old only seeing only nine defensive snaps across 10 games with Cleveland over the past two years. Rogers joined Cleveland’s practice squad in September and has been active for two games, returning two punts and three kicks. The veteran is a year removed from a 30-catch campaign with Tennessee.

Browns To Activate CB Greedy Williams; Denzel Ward Out For Week 6

October 14th, 2022 at 6:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns will be without their top cornerback on Sunday against the Patriots, but another starter at the position will make his season debut. The team announced on Friday that Greedy Williams will be activated from IR in advance of their Week 6 matchup. 

[RELATED: Browns Designate LB Jones For Return]

Williams missed the beginning of the season due to a hamstring injury. That added further to the ailments he has battled thus far in his career, and left the team shorthanded in the secondary. The former second-rounder missed one-quarter of his rookie campaign in 2019, then the entirety of the following season with a shoulder injury. His size and college pedigree, not to mention Cleveland’s current CB situation, could see him take on the large role he was expected to carry upon entry to the NFL.

“Everything has been crisp and clean,” Williams told reporters on the topic of his return. “Just out there making plays and re-establishing myself. I build that trust back with the team, and they see I’m ready. That’s all that matters.”

No. 1 cover man Denzel Ward has been ruled out with a concussion, after he exited the Browns’ Week 5 loss to the Chargers early. That will leave a significant hole in the team’s defense, as Ward has notched one interception (returned for a touchdown) and six pass breakups this season. Williams could immediately take on his perimeter duties, though the team will no doubt seek to ease him back into action. The Browns will also have Greg Newsome and Martin Emerson available as starters at corner.

They will not, however, have both elements of their starting pass-rush tandem. After returning to game action last week, Jadeveon Clowney will once again be sidelined in Week 6. That will mark the second missed contest this season for the veteran, although Myles Garrett was able to log a usual snap share in his return from a car accident last Sunday.

With a number of moving parts on their defense, the Browns will join New England in trying to improve to .500 on the campaign, while, in Williams’ case, looking to move past a plethora of injury concerns.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/5/22

October 5th, 2022 at 6:27pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

Philadelphia Eagles

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

A number of players who were placed on IR after the preseason and prior to the regular season returned to practice today. These players will have a three-week practice window until they have to be activated to the active roster. Otherwise, they’ll be ineligible to return this season.

One of the most surprising returns is Cardinals cornerback Antonio Hamilton. The former undrafted free agent rode a strong preseason to a potential starting gig, but he was sidelined with second-degree burns after spilling hot oil on his legs and feet. Kliff Kingsbury previously said an early-October return may be a “little aggressive” (per ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss on Twitter), but the cornerback ended up working his way back to practice.

Browns Place CB Greedy Williams On IR

September 9th, 2022 at 3:40pm CST by Adam La Rose

 Greedy Williams continues to have injury troubles in his relatively brief NFL career. Per a team announcement, the Browns have placed him on injured reserve, meaning he will miss at least the first four games of the season. 

Williams has been dealing with a hamstring injury, the latest in a long line of ailments which have defined his career. The 2019 second-rounder (whose availability concerns coming out of college hurt his draft stock) played in 12 games as a rookie, but a shoulder injury ultimately cost him the entire 2020 campaign.

Williams bounced back last season, suiting up for 16 contests (with eight starts). He made 41 tackles, adding a pair of interceptions and 10 pass deflections despite seeing a reduced workload. The LSU alum was expected to once again take on a starting role in 2022 as part of Cleveland’s top CB trio alongside Denzel Ward and Greg Newsome. 

Instead, the Browns will now turn to third-round rookie Martin Emerson as a first-teamer. The Mississippi State product was the Browns’ top pick in April, but only recorded one interception in his three years in college. Expectations will be tempered for him, but Ward and Newsome have proven themselves to be high-end contributors in the secondary.

Williams, meanwhile, will play (at best) another shortened schedule as he enters a contract year. His level of play last season in terms of not only ball production but coverage statistics showcased his talent and draft pedigree, but any lengthy absence would certainly hinder his free agent market.

Latest On Browns CB Denzel Ward

June 18th, 2022 at 2:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns faced the possibility of some troublesome injury news on the final day of their minicamp, when cornerback Denzel Ward left the field with a foot injury. The latest update on his condition is encouraging, however. 

As detailed by Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal, there was “no structural damage” to the foot caused by the injury Ward suffered on Thursday. As a result, he is expected to be healthy in time for training camp next month. That will be welcomed news for the Browns, considering their recent financial investment in the 25-yerar-old.

Cleveland briefly made Ward the highest-paid corner in league history in April, signing him to a five-year extension worth $20.1MM per season. While his annual compensation now ranks second in the NFL at his position, the deal also included a new watermark in guaranteed money at $44.5MM. Any significant injury suffered before that pact kicks in starting next season would, of course, set the Browns back significantly.

The No. 4 pick in 2018, Ward has lived up to his draft status as one of the most impactful and consistent members of Cleveland’s defense. In 2021, he matched his career high with three interceptions, earning himself a second Pro Bowl nod along the way. The Ohio State alum will go into 2022 atop the team’s CB depth chart, which also features Greedy Williams and Greg Newsome. 

On a related note, Easterling adds that Williams spent minicamp dealing with a sprained ankle, another injury which “isn’t expected to be a long-term issue.” Those positive updates will allow for the continued optimism surrounding the Browns’ defense heading into the season, a unit which, in all likelihood, will be heavily leaned upon if the team is to contend in the AFC.

AFC Rumors: Jags, Judon, Raiders, Browns

December 10th, 2021 at 6:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

Less than a year into the Jaguars‘ Urban Meyer–Trent Baalke partnership, the two power brokers may not be seeing eye to eye. Some tension has surfaced between the new coworkers, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes. This is certainly not the first sign of trouble for the Meyer regime in Jacksonville. A host of controversies and/or scrutinized decisions have emerged this year, peaking with the first-year NFL HC’s decision not to fly back to Jacksonville with the team earlier this season, and the Jags are now 2-10. They have seen their offense, led by prized QB prospect Trevor Lawrence, struggle for most of the season. The Jaguars are averaging just 10.6 points per game over their six contests since their bye week, inviting speculation about assistants’ job security. Baalke, the ex-49ers GM whom the Jags named to the same position shortly after tabbing Meyer to lead their latest rebuild, might not be on solid ground either. While Meyer being a one-and-done is far from certain, the former national championship-winning coach’s first season has gone about as badly as possible.

Here is the latest from around the AFC:

  • The Patriots’ Matt Judon deal has become one of the best from this past free agency period, with the ex-Ravens edge rusher having amassed a career-high 12.5 sacks. Deviating from its usual lower-key free agency strategy, New England moved quickly to land Judon on a four-year, $54.5MM accord. Prior to this agreement, Judon gave the Ravens a chance to match it, La Canfora writes. Judon had told teammates he did not want to leave Baltimore, JLC adds, though he had said in February everything would have to line up for him to stay. The Ravens, who have let several edge rushers walk to recoup compensatory picks, opted to retool at the position again. After letting let both Judon and Yannick Ngakoue leave, the Ravens drafted Odafe Oweh in Round 1 and signed Justin Houston on a low-cost deal.
  • Jaguars tight ends coach Tyler Bowen is set to become Virginia Tech’s offensive coordinator, Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com reports. Bowen, 32, is in his first season with the Jags. He had previously worked with new Hokies HC Brent Pry at Penn State, being a Nittany Lions assistant from 2018-20.
  • The Raiders figure to have several new staffers next year, with GM Mike Mayock and interim HC Rich Bisaccia far from assured they will be back. But the team will not be parting with Marcel Reece. The former Oakland fullback will be staying on as a senior adviser to Mark Davis, Vic Tafur of The Athletic notes (subscription required). Reece, who played for the Raiders for nine seasons (2008-16), has been in his current role since 2020. He figures to play a role in the franchise’s coaching search as well.
  • A.J. Cole joined Daniel Carlson in signing extensions to keep the Raiders’ current kicking corps intact long-term. The young punter signed a four-year deal worth $12.4MM, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. Cole, who will receive $5.9MM guaranteed, is now one of the NFL’s five highest-paid punters.
  • Greg Newsome suffered a concussion on the final play of Browns practice Friday, Jeff Schudel of the Lorain Morning Journal tweets. Cleveland’s first-round pick is out for Sunday’s game against the Ravens. The Browns do have an experienced option to elevate into their starting lineup, with Greedy Williams having been a regular starter as a rookie in 2019. Pro Football Focus grades Williams, who has played 45% of Cleveland’s defensive snaps, as a top-20 corner this season.

Greedy Williams Receives Full Clearance

August 4th, 2021 at 5:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

For the first time in nearly a year, Greedy Williams was a full practice participant. The Browns began their 11-on-11 drills without Williams on Tuesday. A day later, the former second-round pick was full-go, Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal notes.

The third-year cornerback is officially off the Browns’ active/PUP list and will attempt to return to Cleveland’s starting lineup. A shoulder nerve issue sidelined Williams during training camp last year — on the same day ex-Williams LSU teammate Grant Delpit suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon — and he went on IR in October. Neither Williams nor Delpit played last season.

The Browns have eased Delpit back into action, but Williams can begin making a legitimate attempt to recapture his starting job. A second-round pick during John Dorsey‘s GM regime, Williams started 12 games as a rookie. While Williams will face stiffer competition for a first-string job this year, he lined up with the Browns’ starting defense during OTAs and was back in that role Wednesday

After using stopgap solutions alongside Denzel Ward in 2020, the Browns were active in bolstering their cornerback group this offseason. Cleveland signed Troy Hill and drafted Greg Newsome in the first round. Williams’ return gives the team interesting depth. The Browns have made extensive outside investments on defense this year, after ranking 25th in DVOA on that side of the ball last season. But the returns of Williams and Delpit also stand to strengthen the unit.

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