Pro Football Focus will be providing analysis for every major NFL signing and trade during the 2015 free-agency period, accounting primarily for the quality of the player and his fit with his new team, while focusing less on the financial terms of the deal.
Here is a grade for the Cleveland Browns' signing of Tramon Williams.
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Cleveland Browns: B-
Tramon Williams is one of those players who plays younger than he is. Williams, who signed with the Browns on his 32nd birthday, has still been producing at a high level, and gives the Browns another option to start opposite Joe Haden if they are not comfortable handing that job to 2014 first-rounder Justin Gilbert.
Williams' coverage numbers dipped a little in 2014 -- he allowed a passer rating of 101.7 on balls thrown into his coverage, largely thanks to surrendering eight touchdowns -- but his PFF coverage grade was still positive because he was making plays and overall was not being beaten badly down to down. Moreover, his average reception allowed was 11.8 yards.
If Williams can eliminate a few of his worst plays, then this represents a very good deal for the Browns. But if those few extra negatives hint at Father Time making his mark on Williams, then the deal could turn sour in a hurry. Given the consistent play we have seen from him during a long period, the team should get at least one strong year of starting play out of Williams, which is all they really need, so long as Gilbert gets back on track.