The Baltimore Ravens could potentially be seeing the return of aggressive, grating cornerback Cary Williams.
Williams, released today by the Philadelphia Eagles, has "a strong interest" in returning to the Ravens, according to a report from Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun.
Williams performed as part of one of the worst defensive secondaries in the NFL last season for Philly, a unit which surrenderd the second-most yards passing per game in the league. He's a still-effective player - he had five interceptions during two years with the Eagles - who could upgrade a position Baltimore GM Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbaugh struggled to adequately fill last season.
Ladarius Webb may be the only starter-worthy outside corner currently on the roster. Jimmy Smith has the talent, but he's often injured and seems more at home on the inside. Anthony Levine and Danny Gorrer dealt with injuries and Antoine Cason was signed after the Panthers cut ties with the eight-year NFL veteran midseason.
Rashaan Melvin finished the year opposite Webb, but doesn't seem to be a long-term answer.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Caplan, Williams, who finished last season with 60 tackles, two interceptions and 10 passes defensed, has maintained relationships with "several of his former teammates with the Ravens."
Geoff Mosher of CSN Philly adds that sources at the NFL scouting combine informed him that teams were inquiring about Williams' services should he become available.
Williams, appearing on WPEN-FM shortly after hearing of his dismissal, said that the team never approached him about restructuring his deal or taking a pay cut in order to stay in Philadelphia.
"They didn't give me a chance to take a pay cut or come back to the team," Williams said, according to Reuben Frank of CSN Philly. "That's their decision."
With the controversial cornerback slated to make $6.5 million and count $8.1667 against the salary cap for next season, Eagles coach Chip Kelly made the decision to cut ties and allocate those resources elsewhere.
Philly's loss could potentially become Baltimore's gain.