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If the Raiders want to compete in the AFC next season, they have to improve their secondary. Arguably their biggest hole in the secondary is at free safety as the team just doesn’t have a dynamic centerfielder who can cover the deep third of the field.
With the Raiders transitioning into a traditional cover-three defense under Gus Bradley, the free safety position has become an even bigger need. But without a star-studded safety class in the 2021 draft, the Raiders might decide to utilize a deep free-agent class to fill that need.
One possible option is Marcus Williams, who has played the last four seasons with the Saints. At just 24 years old and 60 starts under his belt, Williams is set to hit the open market. In a recent piece by Pro Football Focus, he was named one of the best players available on the market. Here is what type of player he has shown to be early in his career:
“Since entering the league in 2017, Williams has ranked near the top of the league in every significant category for safeties. He has a coverage grade that ranks in the 90th percentile to go with the highest rate of forced incompletions. Williams is also a solid run defender and with the skills to fit as a free safety in any scheme.”
Williams already has 13 interceptions in his career to go along with two forced fumbles and a sack. He’s arguably the best coverage safety in the NFL right now and more importantly, Williams is a perfect fit alongside Johnathan Abram. Having a dominant free safety roaming in the middle of the field would allow Abram to continue to play near the line of scrimmage, where he is at his best.
With how much the Raiders have invested in Abram, you would think they would prioritize a rangy free safety that can cover up his flaws. Williams is the best possible option available and would be the ideal target for the Raiders in free agency.
What would the potential price tag look like on the former Utah safety? PFF projects him to receive around $14 million per year in free agency and that lines up with what the top safeties in the league are being paid. If the Raiders want an elite safety, they would have to be willing to pay up to acquire one. Keep an eye on Williams throughout the free-agent process as he could easily be a target for the Raiders.
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