After a disastrous 2024 campaign, the Baltimore Ravens will release safety Marcus Williams who will now become a free agent this week. According to the breaking news, it was always the expectation for the Ravens to cut the bust after having one of the worst seasons in recent memory. He wasn’t the only one but the Ravens are releasing cornerback Arthur Maulet after making little to no impact in the team’s secondary. However, Williams was the main reason why the Ravens didn’t have an explosive secondary unit but it got better after head coach John Harbaugh benched him in favor of Ar’Darius Washington.
Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Utah product was one of the best safeties coming out of that year signing a four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. Williams competed for the starting job against Vonn Bell and eventually became a backup in the “three-safety technique” made by former head coach Dennis Allen. The veteran safety put up 59 solo tackles, seven pass deflections and four interceptions in 15 starts helping them reach the postseason. Williams hasn’t been the same since signing a five-year deal with the Ravens where hasn’t been able to stay healthy for the next three seasons so it didn’t make sense to keep paying him if he can’t stay on the field.
BREAKING: Ravens Release Former Second Round Bust Marcus Williams – 5 Suitors May Emerge
Possible Destinations
New Orleans Saints
The Saints caught everyone by surprise signing long-time Chief Justin Reid to a contract. However, after restructuring Tyrann Mathieu’s deal, they could probably pinch more pennies for safety depth. Williams isn’t starting but the Saints could use him in another technique in a situational role.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been bargain-shopping this free agency for their defense signing Solomon Thomas and Payton Turner. After spending some money this offseason, Donovan Wilson’s job could be in jeopardy. If they lose him, they could sign Williams on a one-year deal and pair with Malik Hooker who’s entering the final year of his deal.
Kansas City Chiefs
To no surprise, the Kansas City Chiefs will lose Justin Reid but they made up for it by signing cornerback Kristian Fulton. They finally get help insurance for the opposite of Trent McDuffie after trading L’Jarius Sneed last offseason. However, it’s time for the team to find a bargain opposite of Bryan Cook and that could be Williams since the Chiefs barely have any cap space to work with.
Los Angeles Chargers
There has yet to be an update on the status of Derwin James but if no one selects him, they could probably bring him back on a bargain. However, the team has money to burn so it’s surprising they’re letting some free agents walk but seems like the new regime under Jim Harbaugh is about testing new players. If that’s the case, they could take on a flier like Williams to pair with Alohi Gilman to give him some solid depth since Tony Jefferson will likely sign a new contract elsewhere.
Washington Commanders
After losing Jeremy Chinn to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Washington Commanders made up for signing Will Harris. This means cornerback Marshon Lattimore could probably return since the two were teammates last season in New Orleans. Either way, they need another safety as depth for Quan Martin who is still developing despite his bright moments.
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