Add Williams to the list of impending free agents in 2022
The New Orleans Saints generally have a good track record of signing players on the franchise tag to extensions before the season starts, but it’s looking increasingly unlikely that good fortune will continue with Marcus Williams. Williams, who accepted the tag in March, is reportedly unlikely to sign a multi-year extension before Thursday’s 4 p.m. deadline for franchised players, per Adam Schefter.
Seven franchised players — Bucs WR Chris Godwin, Jets S Marcus Maye, Panthers RT Taylor Moton, Bears WR Allen Robinson, Jags OT Cam Robinson, WFT G Brandon Scherff, Saints S Marcus Williams — have until 4:00 today to sign extensions.
No deals likely at this time, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2021
July 15th is the first major offseason date Saints fans were keeping an eye on, as “after this date, [franchised players] may sign only a one-year contract with his prior club for the 2021 season, and such a contract cannot be extended until after the club’s last regular-season game.”
That adds to the Saints’ ever-increasing laundry list of looming free agents in 2022. They managed to lock down Ryan Ramczyk last week; but other major players include Terron Armstead, Marshon Lattimore and Marcus Williams.
Williams has become one of the most reliable safeties in the NFL, and his camp has remained quiet throughout negotiations. The Saints could tag Williams against next season, but that gets pricey quickly, and it would be set at 120 percent of the current figure. With Williams making $10.16 million this season, that would set next season’s number at $12.19 million.
The Saints need all the cap space they can muster at this point, so to avoid these scenarios they’ll have to move fast. Otherwise, 2022 is going to involve a lot of negotiating and some very tough decisions for Mickey Loomis.
We will update this story as additional news becomes available.
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