Saints 2020 Year-In-Review: Marcus Williams

A look back at Marcus Williams' 2020 campaign with the New Orleans Saints.

The New Orleans Saints made Marcus Williams a priority ahead of 2021 Free Agency, applying the franchise tag on the former second-round pick. Today we take a look back at Williams' performance in 2020 for the Black and Gold.

The 2017 Second-Round Pick started his fourth NFL season with a bang, coming away with the Saints first takeaway of the season with an interception of QB Tom Brady in New Orleans' Week 1 victory. Williams' consistency and durability were on full display throughout the first-half of the regular season logging 100% of the team's defensive snaps and playing a pivotal role during the Saints 5-2 start.

Despite not being named to a Pro Bowl in his first four years of his NFL career, Saints DB Marcus Williams has proven to be one of the most consistent performers in the league. Williams ranks as the league's fourth-highest graded safety (91.2) since entering the league in 2017, according to PFF.

In the 2020 campaign Williams appeared in 14 games starting each of them. Williams concluded the season totaling 3 interceptions which tied Janoris and Malcolm Jenkins for best on the team.

© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

During the Saints nine-game winning streak, Williams anchored the defensive backfield making two interceptions against division rivals Tampa Bay and Atlanta while logging at least 45 snaps in each contest. Williams ended the regular season injured and missed both Week 16 and 17 but made his way back into the lineup for the playoffs, playing every snap of both postseason contests.

The continued improvement in Williams' play made him a hot commodity prior to free agency. However, Saints GM Mickey Loomis made sure to secure one of the league's top young talents for another season, applying the franchise tag on Williams prior to free agency opening. 

In his first four NFL seasons Williams has recorded 13 career interceptions and 1 touchdown in 60 games. The Utah product has also appeared in 7 playoff games, recording 1 interception. 

Williams will play the 2021 season under a one-year tag worth roughly $10.5M.

Season Highlight: Interception in Week 9 vs. Bucs to Cap Off a Near-Perfect 1st Half From the Saints

Marcus Williams picks off Tom Brady for the 2nd time this season! 🙌#Saints | #BudLightCelly pic.twitter.com/oOvGZ44Fuj

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) November 9, 2020

2020 Season Stat Line:

• Games Played: 14
• Tackles: 59
• Tackles For Loss: 0
• Pass Break Ups: 7
• INTs: 3
• Defensive Touchdowns: 0

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