CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 05: Eli Apple #20 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after making a defensive stop during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Paul Brown Stadium on December 5, 2021, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
Marcus Williams is one of the NFL’s best safeties and is set to test the free-agent market in his prime. These five teams make a lot of sense for Williams.
In today’s passing age, the role of a safety has become even more valuable in the NFL. This year’s free agency class has a collection of talented safeties set to hit the open market but the best of the bunch may well be New Orleans Saints’ star Marcus Williams.
The Saints gave the 26-year old Williams the franchise tag last winter but it may be tricky for them to try again since New Orleans enters the offseason nearly $76 million over the salary cap and need to find a way to retain quarterback Jameis Winston. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the top free-agent fits for Williams this winter.
5. Top free-agent landing spots for Marcus Williams – Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals know the value of an excellent safety as Jessie Bates was a key figure in their run to the Super Bowl. Bates is set to test the free-agent market this offseason but it wouldn’t be a shock to see Cincinnati tag him if they can’t reach a deal prior to the start of free agency.
The alternative to keeping Bates would be to add Williams, who would not only replace Bates but potentially upgrade the position. With more than $50 million in cap space, the Bengals could also think big and add Williams while retaining Bates to create a dominant safety tandem that could hold up well against the AFC’s elite quarterbacks.