Ravens restructure Brandon Williams contract, creating cap space for a potential acquisition

The Baltimore Ravens have restructured defensive tackle Brandon Williams’ contract:

The big run stuffer inked a 5-year, $52.5 million contract in March, and turned in a strong game on Sunday. The new $2.75 million bonus will be prorated over the remaining years of the deal, pushing even more salary cap charges into the future on are already backloaded contract structure. However, with the Ravens looking like a genuine contender after dominating Cincinnati on the road in Week 1, the front office is clearly and wisely in ‘win now’ mode.

The newly created salary cap space will likely be used to bolster Baltimore’s offense. Another running back would be the best used of the funds, as Danny Woodhead re-aggravated his hamstring injury in the first quarter against the Bengals. An offensive lineman could also be targeted, but with the scarcity of quality lineman in the NFL this season, swinging a trade for a competent blocker could be costly.

Running backs Terrance West and Javorius Allen played well in the second half against the Bengals. However, the Ravens have limited quality depth behind them and could be in trouble if either suffers an injury. Baltimore’s formula from Sunday of an aggressive defense, reliable special teams and ball control offense can be used to win a lot of games this season, but the Ravens will need production from their ball carriers to have success with this blueprint.

Future Hall of Fame tailback Adrian Peterson could be the ideal trade option. He signed with New Orleans this offseason on a 2-year, $7 million contract in April. On Monday against the Vikings, Peterson garnered only nine snaps, compared to 31 snaps for impressive rookie back Alvin Kamara and 26 for steady Mark Ingram. Peterson seemed disgruntled about his lack of opportunity against his former team while on the sideline, appearing to challenge head coach Sean Payton at one point. Peterson’s current contract includes a $2.5 million signing bonus, which would stay with the Saints in a trade scenario, making his salary more palatable for the Ravens.