Cornerback Darious Williams is returning to the Los Angeles Rams, AP source says
LOS ANGELES — Cornerback Darious Williams is returning to the Los Angeles Rams after two seasons in Jacksonville, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
Williams has agreed to terms on a three-year deal for $22.5 million, potentially worth up to $30 million, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the move can’t become official until the new league year begins Wednesday.
Williams won a Super Bowl ring to cap his four seasons with the Rams from 2018-21. The undrafted 5-foot-9 defensive back played his way into a major role with Los Angeles, culminating in two years as a solid starting cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey in the Rams’ secondary.
Williams turned his success into a $30 million payday from the Jaguars, who released him on March 5 with one year left on his contract ahead of their move to a different defensive scheme. Williams, who had 53 tackles and four interceptions during a strong 2023 season, started 30 games in two seasons with Jacksonville.
Williams, who turns 31 on Friday, will bolster a Los Angeles secondary that was the defense’s weakest point last season.
Late-round drafted cornerbacks Derion Kendrick and Cobie Durant haven’t been impressive in the Rams’ attempts to restock their secondary from within. Veteran Ahkello Witherspoon, a late-summer signer who ended up starting all 17 games, is a free agent.
Williams is apparently a good fit for the scheme that will be used by new Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula. While undersized, Williams excelled in almost any assignment during his two seasons as a starter for the Rams, highlighted by six interceptions during his tenure.
Williams joins tight end Colby Parkinson and guard Jonah Jackson in the Rams’ crop of free agents this week.
Bears agree to 2-year, $12 million deal with tight end Gerald Everett, AP sources say
CHICAGO — The Chicago Bears and former Los Angeles Chargers tight end Gerald Everett have agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract that guarantees $6.1 million, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because free agents can’t officially sign with new teams until Wednesday. ESPN first reported the agreement.
The Bears also added help in the secondary, agreeing to a two-year deal with safety Jonathan Owens, agent Sunny Shah told NFL Network.
Owens is married to Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time.
Everett has 284 receptions for 2,833 yards and 19 touchdowns over seven seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Chargers. He caught 51 passes for 411 yards and three scores for the Chargers last season.
Everett gives the Bears a productive No. 2 tight end behind Cole Kmet, who’s coming off his best season. Kmet set career highs in receptions (73) and yards (719) and caught six touchdowns after agreeing in July to a four-year, $50 million contract extension through 2027.
Everett worked with new Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron with the Rams from 2017 to 2020 and with Seattle in 2021. Stanford star Cameron Brink bypasses extra year, declares for 2024 WNBA draft
STANFORD — Stanford star Cameron Brink will finish her collegiate career this season and enter the WNBA draft.
The nation’s No. 1-ranked shot blocker announced her decision on social media Tuesday, two days after second-ranked Stanford lost 74-61 to No. 5 Southern California in the Pac-12 Tournament championship game in Las Vegas. The Cardinal (28-5) dropped to fourth in this week’s AP Top 25 while USC rose to third.
Brink could have returned for a fifth year of eligibility granted by the NCAA to athletes competing during the interruption from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am excited to announce that I will be declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft,” Brink wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Although I am excited for that next chapter, we still have unfinished business and so much to accomplish in my final season at Stanford.”
The 6-foot-4 Brink is Stanford’s second-leading scorer at 17.8 points per game
and the leading rebounder, averaging 12.0 boards — ranking her third in the nation. She has blocked 109 shots and is averaging 3.52 per game, both best in the country.
She thanked Hall of Fame Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer, who earlier this season became the all-time wins leader in men’s or women’s basketball.
Stephen Curry cleared to resume on-court work as he recovers from right ankle sprain
SAN FRANCISCO — Stephen Curry was cleared Tuesday to resume on-court activity as he recovers from his latest right ankle sprain, and if all goes well could rejoin the Golden State Warriors for practice Friday in Los Angeles.
The team provided an update on Curry’s health after he was re-evaluated Tuesday and determined to be making “good progress.” He is scheduled to be examined again after the Friday workout. He will train in the Bay Area until then, missing Wednesday’s game at Dallas.