Williams retires after not playing a snap in the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He began his career as an undrafted free agent for the Browns, spent a season with an ankle injury on the Bears, then played five seasons with the 49ers from 2017-2021. In his time with the 49ers, Williams started 36 games with 17 passes defended and four interceptions. His last season playing snaps was 2022 as the Broncos’ nickel cornerback. Williams’ 2023 season ended without playing a single snap due to an ankle injury. Though he was cleared to play for 2024, he did not sign with a team and the 33-year-old is now headed for retirement. His agent says Williams is set up with a real estate license in Florida for life after football.

Williams didn’t play a snap of regular-season football in 2023 after an ankle injury that sidelined him in training camp ultimately required surgery to correct. Now, the soon-to-be 33-year-old vet is cleared and looking to return to the field. Williams started in eight of the 14 games he appeared in for the Broncos in 2022, totaling 44 tackles and one interception while breaking up seven passes. According to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson, Williams has spoken with teams, but will likely wait until after the NFL Draft to decide on where to sign.

Williams, who opened the year on IR, will undergo a second surgery next week. The Broncos expect a three month recovery, knocking Williams out for the year but setting him up for a full offseason. Williams, a 2024 free agent, is unlikely to be back with the Broncos.

As Klis points out, whether Williams will go on short- or long-term injured reserve after his surgery is unknown. Williams played in 14 games for the Broncos last season, totaling 44 tackles and one interception in his first year with the team. Williams has played primarily as a slot corner since entering the league in 2014 and was expected to be a key contributor for the team again this season.