Cary

Williams

Williams is facing two to six months of recovery, and it could impact the tender he receives as a restricted free agent. A former seventh-round pick, Williams started all 16 games in 2011 but will be pushed by Jimmy Smith in 2012.

Webb has been tendered at the highest level, while Williams has drawn a second-round tender. Williams is expected back in Baltimore, but Webb could draw interest on the open market even though any signing team would have to surrender a first-round draft pick if the Ravens chose not to match their offer. Still just 26, Webb notched five interceptions in 2011, and graded out as the league’s fourth best cornerback by Pro Football Focus.

Webb is likely Baltimore’s priority because he’s a better corner and the Ravens may eventually look to replace Williams with 2011 first-round pick Jimmy Smith. Webb was tendered at the first-round level, but has yet to sign on the dotted line. Both sides appear intent on working out a long-term contract.

Baltimore is believed to be interested in signing Williams long term. He’s owed $1.942 million on his one-year tender, but likely wouldn’t have been available for OTAs anyway after offseason hip surgery. Williams turned 27 in December.

Williams started every game for Baltimore last season, including the playoffs. A strong run-support corner at 6-foot-1, 182, Williams was the weak link in the Ravens’ pass coverage, though he’s hardly a terrible cover corner. Still, Williams will face stiff competition to retain his starting job from 2011 first-round pick Jimmy Smith. Also recovering from offseason hip surgery, Williams will likely move into a backup role in 2012.

However, Williams says there’s “no pain” in his leg. “It’s very flexible, but you have to be patient and not rush back.” Williams acknowledges that his job is “on the line,” as Baltimore is expected to give 2011 first-round pick Jimmy Smith every opportunity to start opposite Lardarius Webb. Williams will likely slot in as the Ravens’ third corner after starting all 16 games in 2011.

Williams is in talks with the Ravens on a long-term extension, but the primary reason for his absence is injury-related, as opposed to contract driven. A former seventh-round pick, Williams emerged as a reliable starter last season. He is currently owed $1.927 million on a one-year tender.

Newsome has an understanding approach to Rice’s dilemma. “We understand the nature of the business,” Newsome said. “Having been an ex-player, do they want to take an opportunity to risk an injury this time of the year? Because if it does [happen], it will affect the negotiations.” Complimenting the player reps for all three, Newsome is confident that “things will work themselves out.”

Williams is safe at that level, though Webb could draw interest around the league. The Ravens are reportedly “pushing hard” to lock him up before the start of free agency. Coming off hip surgery, Williams will be pushed hard by 2011 first-rounder Jimmy Smith this summer.

Ravens RG Marshal Yanda also suffered a concussion and will not return. (They’re both listed as “doubtful,” but won’t be back.) Williams, the team’s starting right corner since early in the season, has been pushed for playing time recently by first-round pick Jimmy Smith. Yanda is the Ravens’ best O-Lineman.