Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams
Getty
Darious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up before a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Los Angeles Rams significantly altered their roster, and specifically their secondary, with their trade for former Kansas City Chiefs star cornerback Trent McDuffie, but they are now navigating another significant change to the group regarding Darious Williams.
Williams is coming off his second straight season with the Rams, but his sixth overall.
He revealed a significant development via the team, and it will certainly lead to more changes in the Rams’ secondary.
Rams Get Critical Update From Darious Williams
Darious Williams, Los Angeles Rams
GettyDarious Williams #31 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after a win against the Tennessee Titans.
“Forever a Super Bowl LVI champ!” the Rams posted on X on March 7, announcing Williams’ retirement. “Congrats on a great career, Darious! [blue heart emoji].”
Williams entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2018.
The LA Daily News’ Adam Grosbard posted, “The Rams have placed veteran CB Darious Williams on the reserve/retired list. After his second child was born during the playoff run, the Super Bowl champ is ready for the next stage of his life.”
Williams began his career with the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore waived Williams, and the Rams claimed him.
He started 13 of the 14 games he played in during the 2021 Super Bowl-winning season.
“Darious Williams hangs it up after an 8-year NFL career that included two stints with the Rams and a Super Bowl ring,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins posted, also noting the veteran’s new addition to his family as a factor. “Williams’ retirement saves the Rams $7.5 million in ‘26 cap space.”
The savings will help, though the Rams were not exactly in dire financial straits. Other details yet to emerge, such as the final numbers of safety Kam Curl’s new deal and a potential extension for McDuffie, are finalized and made available to the public.
That does not take away from the moment of celebration for a player whose NFL journey included a stop with his hometown team, the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Associated Press’ Greg Beacham called Williams’ NFL career “remarkable.”
“Started in D-III. Moved to UAB & stayed when it briefly dropped football, Beacham posted. “Went undrafted. Made the Ravens & got waived. Got claimed by the Rams, won a starting job, won a Super Bowl. Got paid by the Jags, and came back to finish in LA.”
Darious Williams Defies Expectations
Darious Williams
GettyDarious Williams #24 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Williams, who turns 33 in March, was one of three corners the Rams had under contract for 2026, along with former Washington Commanders first-round pick Emanuel Forbes and former UDFA Josh Wallace.
Cobie Durant, who started 15 games this past season, and trade deadline pickup Roger McCreary are free agents.
There was a thought that Williams could remain, albeit on a revised contract.
“Saw his snap count drop from 70% in 2024, to 40% in 2025, but is also under contract at a team-friendly $7.5M in 2026,” Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti wrote in January. “There’s a $500,000 roster bonus due March 15th, so any kind of movement would likely happen prior to.”
Ginnitti proposed a trade or even an extension for Williams. Instead, he walks away from the final year of his three-year, $22.5 million contract with $43 million in career earnings.
This could open the door for one or more of his pending free agent teammates to return.