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Can't say I saw this coming: Despite another frustrating season from wide receiver Demetrius Williams, the Ravens are reportedly planning on keeping him around.
According to Aaron Wilson of National Football Post and The Carroll County Times, the Ravens have given Williams the low RFA tender, which would pay the 26-year-old receiver $1.17 million for 2010.
Another team would need to be willing to give up a fourth-round pick as compensation if they wanted to sign Williams to an offer sheet.
It's just the low tender, but the fact that the Ravens reportedly chose to tender Williams at all is a surprising move given the way the 2009 season played out and how both sides reacted in postseason sessions with the media.
Williams made just eight catches for 142 yards and one touchdown last season, and his feeble one-handed attempt at a Joe Flacco fourth down pass in the Ravens' playoff loss to the Colts looked like it might be his last play in the purple and black.
The Oregon product seemed open to a potential change of scenery after the season, and head coach John Harbaugh admitted last month that Williams "is not able yet to do enough" and that the Ravens "need more" from him.
However, given the team's situation at receiver, the Ravens might be thinking that it can't hurt to bring Williams back for OTAs and training camp and see how he performs under pressure one more time.
If he fails to impress and continues to struggle with injuries and inconsistency, the Ravens could cut him loose. If he shows promise and develops a better work ethic, the team can think about carrying him on the roster and seeing how things play out.
We shall see.
One other RFA note to pass along quickly: Chris Chester was also given the low tender, according to multiple reports.
Chester will make $1.17 million. If a team signed him to an offer sheet, the Ravens could match the deal or accept a third-round pick as compensation.
Confused about how this whole restricted free agent process works? A little bit later on, I'll do my best to simplify things as much as possible. Easier said than done, but I'll give it a shot.
