The New Orleans Saints made Marcus Williams a priority before the 2021 Free Agency, applying the franchise brand in the previous choice of the second round. Today we’re taking a look at Williams’s 2020 performance for black and gold.
The pick of the second round of 2017 started its fourth season of the NFL with a bang, leaving with the first take of the Saints of the season with an interception by QB Tom Brady in the week 1 victory in New Orleans. Williams ‘consistency and durability were on full display throughout the first half of the regular season, recording 100% of the team’s defensive plays and playing a key role during the Saints’ 5-2 start.
Despite not being nominated for a Pro Bowl in his first four years of his NFL career, Saints DB Marcus Williams proved to be one of the most consistent players in the league. Williams is ranked the fourth best safety rating in the league (91.2) since joining the league in 2017, according to the PFF.
In the 2020 campaign Williams appeared in 14 games starting each one. Williams ended the season with a total of 3 interceptions that tied Janoris and Malcolm Jenkins as the best of the team.
During the Saints’ nine-game winning streak, Williams anchored the defensive backfield by making two interceptions against division rivals Tampa Bay and Atlanta while recording at least 45 snaps in each contest. Williams finished the injured injured regular season and missed weeks 16 and 17, but returned to the playoff lineup, playing every moment of both postseason disputes.
The continuous improvement in Williams’ game made him a hot commodity before the free agency. However, Saints GM Mickey Loomis secured one of the best young talent in the league for another season, applying the franchise brand at Williams before the free agency opened.
In his first four seasons in the NFL, Williams recorded 13 career interceptions and 1 touchdown in 60 games. The Utah product also appeared in 7 playoff games, registering 1 interception.
Williams will play the 2021 season with a one-year tag worth approximately $ 10.5 million.