Since being drafted by the Ravens in the 3rd round of the 2013 NFL Draft, Brandon Williams has had 255 combined tackles and six and a half sacks.. Although always lacking being an above-average pass rusher, Williams has been a consistently good run stopper. Entering his age 31 season, with regression surely incoming and his high cap hit, will the Ravens attempt trade Williams next season, or possibly cut him?
First, although not being named one of the 12 Ravens Pro Bowlers last year, Williams had a solid season, finishing with 55 combined tackles and a sack. These numbers may not be the most attractive, but Williams actually had a better season than he had in 2018. This shows that although Williams is in his age-31 season, his imminent regression has not started yet.
Second, after trading for Calais Campbell from the Jaguars and signing Derek Wolfe, who had nine and a half sacks last year, from the Broncos, the Ravens defensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Taking out Williams, a massive part of the line, will without a doubt make the unit worse. Why ruin something that has the potential to be great for years to come?
Lastly, Williams is by far the Raven’s best-run stopper. With key additions Campbell and Wolfe being primarily pass rushers and outside linebacker, Matt Judon, struggling in that department. If taken away from the front seven the Ravens will get run on even harder than they did by Derrick Henry in the Divisional game last year. This is a very scary sight to imagine.
As stated above, although Brandon Williams has shown no signs of regression (yet), all players go through regression one they hit their 30’s. Williams, now 31, will surely hit that mark soon, and there is simply no reason for the Ravens to pay him $14 million in his age-season, an age where regression is almost certain.
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