The Baltimore Ravens have announced they’ve restructured the contract of defensive tackle Brandon Williams, opening up more than 2 million in cap space.
Fresh off a stout defensive performance over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens are opening up some cap room.
Per Brian McFarland of Russell Street Report, the Ravens are converting $2.725 million of Brandon Williams’ base salary into a bonus. The move opens up $2.18 million in cap space for the Ravens this season.
Ravens have restructured DT BrandonWilliams' contract, converting $2.725M of his $3.5M base salary into a bonus. Creates $2.18M in Cap space
— Brian McFarland (@RavensSalaryCap) September 12, 2017
Williams signed a huge 5-year, $52 million deal to stay with the Ravens this offseason. It made put him among highest paid interior 3-4 defensive lineman and for good reason. Entering his fifth season, Williams has been a rock up front. He’s totaled 4.5 sacks and over 100 tackles in his young NFL career. With his size, he consistently demands double teams and is a problem for just about any offensive lineman.
Against the Bengals, Williams was the highest graded performer for the Ravens according to Pro Football Focus. Paired with fellow defensive tackle Michael Pierce, the two are a forced to be reckoned with on the defensive line this season.
Brandon Williams was too much for the Bengals to handle today pic.twitter.com/Yg03fnnCEy
— PFF (@PFF) September 10, 2017
The purpose of restructuring Williams’ contract? Most likely for a potential move. Whether that be a free agent signing, trade or a call up from the practice squad, we aren’t sure. It’s hard to tell with the Ravens.
It is interesting to note that according to McFarland, the move took place before Sunday’s game. That means that the injuries to Danny Woodhead and Za’Darius Smith weren’t factored into the decision. But, with the amount of injuries the Ravens have had this offseason, they were likely looking to make another move anyways.
Next: Baltimore Ravens: Game balls vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Now with just two running backs on the active roster (Allen/West), the Ravens will need to add another body. They have Alex Collins and Jeremy Langford on the practice squad, but could look elsewhere. Ryan Matthews and Matt Jones present potential options on the free agent market.