Redskins sign veteran Cary Williams in wake of injuries in secondary

When the Seattle Seahawks cut Cary Williams on Dec. 7, the eighth-year cornerback hoped for the opportunity to sign with another team that would make it to the playoffs.

That opportunity arrived on Tuesday, when the Washington Redskins signed Williams, according to a person familiar with the situation. The move, which has not yet been confirmed by the team, will add depth to the secondary after injuries to Kyshoen Jarrett and backup cornerback Dashaun Phillips.

Jarrett, a versatile defender who has played nickelback and free safety this season, sustained a neck injury after a helmet-to-helmet collision with Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden on Sunday.

Coach Jay Gruden already ruled out Jarrett for the Redskins’ wild card round game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at FedEx Field. According to Gruden, tests on Jarrett’s neck and spine were fine, but the team is concerned about a nerve injury that is affecting his right arm.

The Redskins have overcome significant injuries in the secondary all season, but Jarrett’s absence hurts particularly because of the timing of it. It’s hard to find help this late in the season, but in signing Williams, the Redskins believe they have found someone who is ready to play. The question will be how quickly he can latch on and contribute on Sunday.

Phillips, who has been effective on special teams, was carted off the field in Sunday’s game with a cervical stinger, but his injury is believed to be less severe.

With Jarrett out, the Redskins have a void to fill behind Will Blackmon and Bashaud Breeland, their starting cornerbacks, and DeAngelo Hall, who made the transition from cornerback to safety after returning from injury at midseason. Jarrett has helped as a backup to Hall and Dashon Goldson. Jeron Johnson started two games earlier this season after Trenton Robinson was benched, but ultimately lost the job once Hall returned from a sprained toe. On Sunday, Johnson played 54 of 68 defensive snaps against the Cowboys with Goldson inactive and Jarrett hurt.

Williams signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Seahawks in the offseason and was a healthy scratch for two weeks before he was cut. Williams played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2009 through 2012 and signed a three-year, $17 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was cut last March.