What are the latest predictions for where Saints safety Marcus Williams will end up playing in 2022 after becoming a free agent this offseason? Ranked seventh in PFN’s Top 100 Free Agents for 2022, Williams is expected to be in high demand after playing on the franchise tag last year. Let’s take a look at some predictions for Williams’ destination in 2022, as well as his market value this offseason.
Update 03/15/22: Marcus Williams, 25, agreed to a five-year, $70 million deal with the Ravens.
Predictions for Marcus Williams as a free agent in 2022
Williams is a highly respected safety who compares favorably with others that play the position. He easily could find himself among the highest-paid safeties by the end of the 2022 free agency period. The current market value for Williams, according to Spotrac, is around a five-year deal worth $75 million in total.
A contract that could be worth looking at as an example is the deal given to Justin Simmons by the Denver Broncos last offseason. Williams may get slightly less in terms of average value, but at just 25 years of age, he could command a deal longer than Simmons’ four years. Let’s take a look at which teams might be in the market for Williams this offseason.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are now at the point where they need to kick this rebuild into high gear. The next two offseasons may provide them the opportunity to find their QB of the future, but they need a team in place if they are to capitalize on having that key piece. This offseason is where they need to start doing that, and Williams could be a centerpiece of that effort.
The Lions are fairly settled on their offense outside of some potential upgrades at pass catcher. The focus needs to be on their defense. That goes for pretty much all three levels, and they have some tough decisions to make about where to prioritize. Head coach Dan Campbell will be familiar with Williams from their time together in New Orleans. If safety is a priority, Williams has the long-term potential to be a key cog in this rebuild.
Kansas City Chiefs
If Tyrann Mathieu does not return to Kansas City, Williams is a great option to slot in at the safety position. They play slightly different styles, but the Chiefs have lost a lot of depth at safety, and they need a complement for Juan Thornhill. As a young duo, Thornhill and Williams would be exciting. Adding Williams would also serve the double purpose of keeping the Chiefs competitive now and helping keep their window open longer.
New York Jets
The Jets should believe they already have their franchise QB in Zach Wilson. If that is the case, they need to go hard in the free agent market to capitalize on his rookie contract. The Jets have the cap space to make those moves, and they have the needs dotted across the roster.
Adding a veteran presence to their secondary feels like a must this offseason. The potential departure of Marcus Maye has left a huge hole to fill, and Williams is an ideal candidate to fill it. At 25, he fits in with a youthful secondary while also providing the opportunity to be there if the Jets don’t challenge for another couple of years.
Philadelphia Eagles
Whichever direction the Eagles go, Williams can help them. If Jalen Hurts is their QB of the future, they could be in a “win-now” phase. However, even if they are continuing a rebuild, Williams’ youth will mean he can still be a key player on their defense in three or four years. The Eagles’ needs at secondary are among the most urgent on the roster, and this is a player who has enough talent to be worth the investment.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have opened up a lot of cap space. Seattle now has a chance to invest heavily as they start their rebuild. A safety combination of Jamal Adams and Williams would be one of the best in the league. They also would complement each other nicely, with Williams a stronger player in coverage and Adams a better option in the box. Adding Williams might also jump-start the rebuild by putting a solid foundation in the center of that secondary.