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DL Corey Williams lured by money, love |
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Written by Mike Vandermause; Green Bay Press Gazette
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Sunday, 02 March 2008 |
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 To hear Corey Williams tell it at his introductory press conference as a new member of the Cleveland Browns, the defensive lineman couldn't get away from the Green Bay Packers fast enough.
"I wanted out of Green Bay," said Williams, whose trade to the Browns was announced Saturday. "I'm glad Cleveland called me. I feel like I'm wanted here. It feels like home to me, which I've only been here one day. I already feel like I've got the love that I've been looking for and I'm happy and excited about it."
Williams felt the love, as well as a swollen wallet after the Browns doled out a six-year, $38.6 million contract that included $16.3 million in guaranteed money.
That was exactly the kind of long-term commitment the Packers weren't willing to make to Williams, a sixth-round draft choice in 2004. Defensive line is one of the Packers' strongest positions in terms of depth, one reason they could afford to let Williams go.
The emergence of Johnny Jolly last season and the expected development of Justin Harrell, last year's first-round draft choice, were reasons Williams became expendable.
When asked why he didn't want to play in Green Bay, Williams replied: "There's a bunch of different reasons. I don't care to talk about them. I just wanted out."
Not only did Williams receive a substantial raise, but he likely will see more playing time in Cleveland, where he is expected to start at end in the Browns' 3-4 defensive alignment. In Green Bay, Williams was part of a rotation that sometimes went eight-deep.
Williams admitted he wasn't happy when the Packers placed a franchise tag on him last week, and he was thankful Cleveland still was interested. The Browns traded a second-round draft choice (No. 56 overall) to the Packers for Williams.
"We wouldn't be able to draft a guy in the second round that can come in and do what Corey can do," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said.
The Browns are left without a first-day draft choice this year. They traded their first-round pick for quarterback Brady Quinn last year, and their third-round selection was dealt to the Detroit Lions this weekend for defensive tackle Shaun Rogers.
The Packers, meanwhile, have three picks among the top 60 in what is considered a relatively deep draft.
Williams described himself to the Cleveland media as a "hard worker" who "loves the game of football" and couldn't be happier in Cleveland.
"As soon as I walked in the door I felt the love," he said. "Walking through the door seeing smiles on people's faces, that meant a lot. Being in the situation I'm in now, I'm really excited." |
