The Packers have locked up another young “core” player just set to hit his prime.
Bob McGinn of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports the team signed cornerback Tramon Williams to a four-year, $41.25 million contract that runs through 2014. Much of the money is up front.
Williams received a $6 million signing bonus and his salary increased this year to $14,376,333. Basically, Williams is one of the highest paid players in the league this year so the Packers can avoid cap hits in future years.
Williams will earn roster bonuses of $2.5 million in 2011, $2.8 million in 2012 and $300,000 in both 2013 and 2014. It’s an impressive haul for an undrafted player that first became a starter late last season.
It’s also a smart investment for Green Bay and a good example of how a player can develop into a star with some patience. Williams has steadily improved since joining the league and now looks like a prime Pro Bowl candidate.
