Eagles re-sign cornerback Trevor Williams one month after release

Posted on September 2, 2020

A familiar face has returned to the Philadelphia Eagles. After being cut from the team just one month ago, veteran cornerback Trevor Williams agreed to contract terms last week.

Williams’ Pre-Philadelphia Era

Williams first played for Penn State University as a wide receiver in 2012 before moving to the cornerback position in his final three seasons. He signed with the San Diego Chargers after going undrafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. He played in 37 games, starting in 27, and had 110 total career tackles and three interceptions.

Trevor Williams re-signsAccording to ProFootballFocus, he was graded as the 10th-best cornerback in the NFL in 2017 with an overall grade of 88.5.

Starting 2018 as a promising athlete, he, unfortunately, suffered a knee injury followed by a quad injury in 2019. He was placed on the injured reserve list. He was then waived off, ending his time with the [San Diego/Los Angeles] Chargers.

The Arizona Cardinals quickly claimed Williams; however, two weeks later, he was released. He played in two games.

Is the Second Time Around a Charm?

Williams signed with the Philadelphia Eagles on January 10 on a reserve/futures contract. He was released on July 21, along with Keegan Render, when the team made a roster cut to 80 men.

After one month, he was re-signed on August 24, just two weeks prior to the upcoming 2020-21 season.

His one-year contract deal is worth $910,000.

Before joining the Eagles at practice, Williams must undergo COVID protocols. Once cleared, he will unite with an already packed cornerback squad. However, he will enter as the second-most experienced cornerback with 39 career games, leaving some to wonder where he’ll fit in.

The Eagles’ Cornerback Lineup

It seems as if Darius Slay and Avonte Maddox are locked in as starters. Slay has started in 94 games and is one of the best cornerbacks that the Eagles have seen in a long time. Maddox is versatile.

Both should play opposite of each other unless Williams competes for the No. 2 spot.

Joining them are slot corners Nickell Robey-Coleman and Cre’Von LeBlanc.

As for the 2017 draft picks Rasul Douglas and Sidney Jones, a questionable future remains. Both have failed to leave a striking impression since playing for the Birds.

Over the last few seasons, Douglas has had difficulty with speed and footwork, sparking some motivation this year to enhance his efforts. During the offseason, he worked with an NFL footwork trainer, adding curiosity to watch his gameplay.

Jones has missed eight straight days of team drills due to a lower-body injury. He returned on August 26; however, it’s difficult to predict whether he’ll remain healthy enough to be a valuable asset.

It could be only a matter of time before Jones is cut or traded as Williams makes his way into camp.

2019 practice squad member Craig James and undrafted rookie Michael Jacquet are also fighting for a spot.

A Swift Upgrade for the Philadelphia Eagles

Given the current state of the cornerback positions, it would seem as if the Eagles haven’t liked what they’ve seen thus far during training camp. The fact that Williams was re-signed two weeks prior to the season opener makes him a legitimate upgrade to the team and one that the Eagles have confidence in.

Although the last year has been inconsistent for Williams, the Eagles can only hope that the 26-year-old brings his 2017 gameplay to the upcoming season, if he remains un-injured.

Alicia Andaloro Avatar
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Alicia Andaloro

Alicia was born and raised in Philadelphia, becoming an avid Eagles fan as a child. She graduated from Penn State University and now works in the medical field. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and baking.

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