Cardinals’ Tramon Williams hopes to return for 2018 season

Cardinals cornerback Tramon Williams has made his case for a contract extension with his play on the field, leading the team in passes defended and in practice helping the younger players.

As the 2017 season winds down for the Cardinals, personnel evaluations for next year begin to take center stage with the playoffs seemingly out of reach.

Williams, who turns 35 in March and has nine passes defended despite limited playing time, has reasons to stay.

“I feel a good connection with the guys in the locker room. I love the guys on the back end who I play with,” said Williams on The Blitz with B-Train and Jurecki on 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station. “I like the experience we do have on this end. Obviously we have the mixture of young guys, so I do like all of that. I love it here.”

With 32 career interceptions to his name and 12 years of NFL experience, Williams makes for an ideal tutor to some of the younger guys in the secondary such as Budda Baker and Brandon Williams.

“I always laid out a helping hand because somebody did that for me when I came into the league,” said Williams. “I want to see them all do good. I promise I won’t see them all do good because this game is tough. They are changing the rules every day for the offense, but I try to give these guys as much knowledge as I can.”

Cardinals GM Steve Keim has been impressed with Williams’ professionalism as well.

“The thing about Tramon is he is really a true pro and his veteran leadership has really paid off,” said Keim. “His anticipation, his instincts and his ability to read route combinations is phenomenal and there is a reason why he has over 30 interceptions in the NFL.”

Williams came to the Cardinals on a one year deal and will need a new contract or a contract extension to remain in Arizona next season.

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