3 potential non-Giants landing spots for former Jaguars CB Darious Williams

In a not-surprising turn of events, the Jacksonville Jaguars released cornerback Darious Williams ahead of free agency. It wasn't that he was a bad player. Rather, he wasn't seemingly fit in defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen's scheme, but more importantly, the team's brass couldn't pass up on the chance to free up $11 million in cap space. Williams is now free to join any team he pleases, and he's wasted no time to meet with the New York Giants.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that Williams is meeting with the Giants' brass. This could be exploratory talks, and it would make sense for him to see what else is out there in the market before he puts his name on the dotted line. He must already know which clubs are ready to vie for his services but he'll surely want to see if there's a potential fit for both parties.

Williams played at a Pro Bowl level last season, registering four interceptions, including a pick-6, and 19 passes defensed. An undrafted free agent in 2018, he signed with the Baltimore Ravens before joining the Los Angeles Rams, where he spent four seasons. Then in 2022, the Jacksonville native signed a three-year deal worth $30 million with the Jaguars.

Early in his stint with the Jags, Williams was miscast as a nickel. Once he replaced Shaquill Griffin in the boundaries he fared much better. Having gained the team's trust, he was the starter opposite Tyson Campbell in the 2023 opener.

Which teams could be a good fit for ex Jaguars DB Darious Williams?

The Giants could most definitely use Darious Williams, with Adoree' Jackson having his contract voided. They have Tre Hawkins and Deonte Banks in the fold but they want to bolster their cornerback room in free agency. That said, New York wouldn't be the only team that could benefit from signing the former Jaguar. Here are three more who could target him in free agency.

3. Miami Dolphins

Given that the Buffalo Bills are retooling the secondary, they would be an ideal landing spot for Darious Williams but they aren't because they have no cap room even after making a series of cap moves. A fellow AFC East team, though, could be in a position to kick the tires on him.

The Miami Dolphins parted ways with Xavien Howard, creating a need at cornerback. They're never afraid to swing for the fences in free agency, so they could pair Williams with Jalen Ramsey.

2. Detriot Lions

One of the Detroit Lions' biggest needs this offseason is cornerback and they have plenty of cap space to outbid other teams if they target anyone in particular. Besides needing a boundary corner, they will potentially need to replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

Standing at $46 million in space, the Lions can sign Williams or any other cornerback they please and find Gardner-Johnson's replacement.

1. Washington Commanders

The Commanders are starting over with head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters taking over. Washington has ample cap space to work with and making upgrades at cornerback should be one of the top priorities this offseason.

Emmanuel Forbes, Washington's first-round pick last year, wasn't particularly great in 2023. While he could make strides next season, it wouldn't hurt the Commanders' brass to add insurance in free agency. Williams would be a good choice, especially when you take into account that Kendall Fuller could also leave in free agency.

Granted, Fuller can line up in the slot but he still saw considerable playing time outside last year, so the Commanders might need to replace his production.

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