Does Cary Williams Over-Value Himself?

As reported on BaltimoreRavens.com, cornerback Cary Williams has turned down a long-term contract extension from the team of three years and five million dollars. Williams, 27, was assigned a second-round tender worth $1.972 million for the 2012 season.He was originally drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft, but picked off their Practice Squad by Baltimore late in the 2009 season.

Williams languished on Special Teams until last season when injuries pushed him into a starting role, where he had a solid 2011 season. The improved health and progress of second year cornerback Jimmy Smith could lessen Williams playing time, although the Ravens will probably play a lot of snaps with at least three cornerbacks on the field.

The question will be whether or not Williams has a warped view of his value to not only the Ravens, but the other 31 teams in the league. Word is that Cary is hoping the Ravens will reach a happy medium with him but if not, he is preparing himself to test the free agent market next year. More than a few players on this defense have ridden the great reputation to lucrative deals elsewhere.

At the same time, many of them have not had anywhere near the success with their new teams that they enjoyed while in Baltimore. However, they did get paid, which was the main priority nonetheless, right? Right?