The Ravens made an unexpected, large splash in free agency, signing one of the best young safeties in the game to his first big NFL contract. Marcus Williams from the Saints, is now a Baltimore Raven.
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Williams, 25, was a second-round draft pick out of Utah in 2017. He’s most famous for a blown tackle attempt on Stefon Diggs against the Vikings in a playoff game during his rookie year that sent the Saints packing. Since then, he’s been one of the game’s best, and if you read Saints writers takes, Williams is a player they are mad that they didn’t keep around the big easy, as the Ravens offer was competitive, and one the Saints are rumored to have matched.
The Ravens land Williams on a five-year deal worth $70M, and $37M in guarantees. He played under the franchise tag last season and made just north of $10M.
These numbers will be estimates as the deal isn’t finalized, and details not yet public. Depending on the structure, if all $37M of guarantees is signing bonus, and the first-year base salary is $1M, the Ravens are looking at around an $8.4M cap hit in 2022 by prorating out the signing bonus over the length of the five-year deal. Baltimore entered the day with about $15.7M in effective space. I would think this move leaves them about $7M give or take, with other holes that need filling. O-line, D-Line, SAM linebacker, edge rusher, all positions of need. Safety was as well, especially considering the new favorites in the AFC North are the Cincinnati Bengals, whom Joe Burrow torched the Ravens for over 1,000 yards through the air in two games this past season. The Ravens have a knack for reacting to what their downfall was the previous year, and remedying that in earnest.
Williams is a free safety which means Chuck Clark will slide back over to the strong safety spot and it appears the oft injured DeShon Elliott’s days in Baltimore might be over as his rookie contract expires. Williams has snagged 16 interceptions in his five seasons. Remedying a major problem on the Ravens defense, the propensity to give up big plays through the air. Williams allowed just 29 yards after catch in his direction all season in 2021. Chuck Clark, 182. Brandon Stephens, 234. Ravens shutdown corner Marlon Humphrey, 297. Hopefully we don’t see any more 50+ yard touchdown strikes where the corner and the safety are pointing fingers at one another after the play.
In 2021, Williams allowed eight catches on 16 targets for 112 yards. He was scored on once, had two picks, and five pass breakups. Maybe most importantly, zero flags against him, and a passer rating allowed of just 54.2 in his direction. If that is the player the Ravens are getting, he’ll be worth every bit of this splash contract. Kansas City’s Tyrann Mathieu was expected to set the safety market this free agency period, but Williams beat him to it. Mathieu remains unsigned.
Williams joins a safety room that includes Chuck Clark, Tony Jefferson, and Geno Stone on the strong side. Brandon Stephens and Ar’Darius Washington at the free spot.
Ravens Analyst
Mike was born on the Eastern Shore, raised in Finksburg, and currently resides in Parkville. In 2009, Mike graduated from the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland. Mike became a Baltimore City Fire Fighter in late 2010. Mike has appeared as a guest on Q1370, and FOX45. Now a Sr. Ravens Analyst for BSL, he can be reached at mike.randall@baltimoresportsandlife.com.