Saints, Marcus Williams Unable To Reach New Deal, Safety To Play 2021 Season Under Tag

Jul 15, 2021, 4:46 PM | Updated: 4:46 pm

Marcus Williams #43 of the New Orleans Saints intercepts a pass in the end zone during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

BY KYLE IRELAND, KSL SPORTS

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Former Utah and current Saints safety Marcus Williams and New Orleans failed to reach an agreement on a new contract, leaving the defensive back to play out the 2021 NFL season under a franchise tag.

Williams and the Saints failed to come to terms on a new deal before the league’s deadline on Thursday, July 15.

The former Utah standout will be one of six players in the league to play the upcoming season under a franchise tag.

Meanwhile, the #Saints and S Marcus Williams don’t appear on track to do a deal, despite both sides working on making it happen. So barring a dramatic turn, just one deal today.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2021

In addition to Williams, Marcus Maye (New York Jets), Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Allen Robinson (Chicago Bears), Brandon Scherff (Washington Football Team) and Cam Robinson (Jacksonville Jaguars) each failed to sign new contracts with their teams.

New Orleans tagged Williams in March.

The move allowed the Saints to retain Williams for the 2021 season and prevent him from becoming a free agent this past offseason. It also allowed New Orleans more time to try and negotiate a new deal with Williams, which ended up not being reached by July’s deadline.

The scoreboard:
— 10 players tagged
— Dak Prescott, Leonard Williams, Justin Simmons and Taylor Moton get new deals.
— Marcus Williams, Marcus Maye, Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson & Cam Robinson play on the tag for the 1st time.
— Brandon Scherff plays on the tag for the 2nd time.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 15, 2021

Williams will be entering his fifth NFL season in the fall.

About Marcus Williams

Prior to his time in the league, Williams played for the University of Utah. He was with the Utes from 2014-16.

Williams has played for the Saints since his rookie season.

The Saints took him during the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

During his four seasons, Williams has recorded 247 total tackles, 187 solo tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 13 interceptions, one touchdown, and 30 pass breakups.

Pick No.✌️on the season for @MarcusWilliams.#LocalsInTheNFL #YACPodcast #GoUtes #Saints @kslsports pic.twitter.com/aevAmvC3cF

— Kyle Ireland (@kyleireland) November 9, 2020

Last season, Williams helped the Saints to a 12-4 record in the regular season. New Orleans was eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Round.

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).