5 free agents the Jaguars can poach from the Rams this offseason
One of the downsides of making the Super Bowl is that you will lose several players in free agency. Last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were able to keep all 22 starters but that was the exception, not the rule and it’s unlikely that the Los Angeles Rams, who will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals on Championship Sunday, will be able to keep their roster intact this offseason.
Then again, the Rams were able to make the Super Bowl for the second time in four years due in part to their ability to replenish their roster year in and year out. But that doesn’t mean they won’t miss these five free agents, which the Jaguars could and should target this offseason.
No. 1 Rams free agent the Jaguars should sign – Darious Williams, CB.
Cornerback isn’t a pressing need for the Jaguars this offseason. Sure, they could add depth to the unit this offseason but they have a pair of starters in Shaquill Griffin and Tyson Campbell. Barring serious injuries, both of them should be in Jacksonville’s defensive lineup in Week 1.
Nevertheless, the Jaguars could pursue cornerback Darious Williams in free agency. They are better off investing in other positional groups but if they think he’s too good to pass up, they should then attempt to sign him. The University of Alabama-Birmingham product signed with the Baltimore Ravens after going undrafted in 2018. However, he was released during the season and was claimed off of waivers by Los Angeles.
Williams steadily worked his way up the Rams’ roster and had a breakout season in 2020, logging 14 passes defensed and four interceptions. Moreover, he allowed a 54 percent completion rate and was named Second-Team All-Pro.
Keep in mind that signing Williams won’t be cheap. He’s ranked 20th in Pro Football Focus’ top 100 list of free agents and is expected to get a three-year, $40 million contract this offseason. While that’s less than what Shaq Griffin got last year, it’s unlikely that the Jaguars’ brass wants to allocate so much cap space to their cornerback room. Still, it shouldn’t be ruled out just yet.