The Ravens made a big splash in free agency, agreeing to a five-year deal with free safety Marcus Williams. The terms of the deal, which is for a reported $70 million, became official Wednesday at 4 p.m.
With 15 interceptions and 38 pass breakups over the last five seasons, the 25-year-old Williams is the type of safety the Ravens have coveted, one who can roam centerfield and improve their pass defense.
He has been durable over his five-year career, playing in 76 of 81 possible games. He's also a sound run defender when he moves into the box with 320 career tackles.
The Saints placed the franchise tag on Williams in 2021 because they didn't want to lose him. Joining the Ravens will give new Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald a versatile defender to pair with veteran safety Chuck Clark. Williams is expected to replace DeShon Elliott, who is currently a free agent after spending his first four seasons in Baltimore.
The Ravens have long valued having a top-flight free safety, dating back to their days with Hall of Famer Ed Reed. The Ravens also previously signed Eric Weddle in free agency and Eric DeCosta brought in Earl Thomas in 2019 but that didn't pan out.
Now Baltimore can plug in a durable playmaker that can help elevate other players around him.
Former Ravens running back Mark Ingram II played with Williams in New Orleans and congratulated him and the Ravens.
