Rams CB Darious Williams Retires After 8-Year Career and Super Bowl Win

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Cornerback Darious Williams is retiring from the NFL after an 8-year career that included a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams. Williams, who turns 33 this month, played for the Ravens, Jaguars, and Rams, emerging as a starter and key contributor to the Rams' 2021 championship team before signing a free agent deal with Jacksonville and later returning to LA.

Why it matters

Williams' retirement marks the end of an era for the Rams' secondary, which was a strength of their Super Bowl-winning team. His journey from undrafted free agent to starting cornerback showcases the perseverance required to make it in the NFL, especially for players who don't get drafted.

The details

Williams began his career as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens in 2018 before the Rams claimed him off waivers later that year. He eventually worked his way into a starting role opposite Jalen Ramsey, leading the Rams with 8 tackles in their Super Bowl victory. Williams then signed a $30 million free agent deal with his hometown Jaguars, playing two seasons as a starter before returning to the Rams in 2024 after being released by Jacksonville. Injuries limited his availability the past two seasons, but he played well when healthy.

• Williams was an undrafted free agent signing with the Ravens in 2018.
• The Rams claimed Williams off waivers later in 2018.
• Williams was a starter for the Rams' championship team in the 2021 season.
• Williams signed a $30 million free agent deal with the Jaguars in 2022.
• Williams returned to the Rams in 2024 after being released by the Jaguars.

What’s next

The Rams will look to Trent McDuffie and the rest of their secondary to help fill the void left by Williams' retirement as they aim to defend their Super Bowl title.