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Saints safety Marcus Williams does not expect to be franchise tagged, per source. Saints would prefer long-term deal for Williams, who played on the tag last year, for cap purposes and to keep player long term if they can come to agreement.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 5, 2022
Here’s some news ahead of free agency: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the New Orleans Saints are not expected to issue the franchise tag to standout free safety Marcus Williams before the tag deadline on March 8.
That’s big for one of the best players headed for the open market. Williams played on the tag last season, accounting for an untouchable salary cap hit north of $10.6 million. Using the tag on him again would cost New Orleans more than $12 million. Clearly that isn’t a palatable option.
It’s tough to see Williams returning to the Saints if he does reach free agency. He’s still just 25 years old and has started five full seasons in the NFL without missing many snaps. There aren’t many ballhawks like him who also fill in well against the run. Some fans have derided Williams for his errors in high-profile moments, but those stand out so badly because he’s been so effective so consistently.
What’s interesting about Fowler’s report is that he adds the Saints see a path to retaining Williams on a more cap-friendly deal; if we’re reading the tea leaves here, it may suggest the two sides aren’t far apart on a deal. Maybe Williams doesn’t see as attractive offers from other teams and ultimately sticks with New Orleans. We’ll just have to wait and see what develops when the NFL’s legal tampering period opens on March 14, with deals to be consummated on March 16.
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