Nobody will argue that the Las Vegas Raiders need to upgrade their defense this offseason. They need to get new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley as much help as they can if they want him to succeed and Marcus Williams will be one of the most coveted free agents in the open market. Should the Silver and Black pursue him?
Marcus Williams could bolster the Raiders’ secondary
A recent Pro Football Focus article matched Williams and the Raiders. They see him signing a four-year $57 million contract. The Utah product will be one of the most coveted safeties in free agency and should give an immediate boost to the Las Vegas’ secondary. Keep in mind this is not a report nor a rumor, just an opinion.
Williams has been one of the highest-graded safeties in the NFL since the New Orleans Saints used a second-round selection in 2017’s draft. Last season, he logged 59 total tackles, seven passes defensed, and three interceptions. Moreover, Pro Football Focus has given him superb grades in both run support and pass coverage throughout his four-year career.
The Utah standout has been a staple of the Saints’ defense since his rookie year, registering 246 total tackles (59 for a loss), 30 pass deflections, 13 interceptions and two forced fumbles. Furthermore, he’s been pretty durable and has just missed six games in four years.
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Is Marcus Williams worth signing?
Williams is a playmaker and if the Raiders want him they should definitely sign him. They’re currently in the red, but could make enough cap space to sign him by releasing a few players. Bradley will need playmakers in his system and the safety will be one of the best ones availables this offseason. Also, signing Williams would give Las Vegas the freedom to use their draft picks on other position groups.
The Raiders had one of the worst defenses in the league in 2020 and if they want to turn things around, they will have to make significant changest this offseason. Adding Williams in free agency would be a good start.
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