MARCUS WILLIAMS NEWS

Makes plays in Week 4 loss Williams had six tackles (four solo), one pass breakup, one interception and one forced fumble during the Saints' loss to the Giants in Week 4.

Impact Williams is attractive as an IDP asset mostly due to his big-play ability, rather than his tackling floor, but he's come through for managers through the first four weeks of the season. Thus far, Williams has 17 total tackles, three pass breakups, two interceptions and a forced fumble.

OCTOBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

The News-Star It was never a matter of when running back Marcus Williams Jr. would be successful but where.

OCTOBER 1, 2021 • THENEWSSTAR.COM

Easton football's Marcus Williams and Stroudsburg tennis' Paraskevi Briegel are Athlete of the Week winners Easton football player Marcus Williams and Stroudsburg tennis player Paraskevi Briegel are our Athlete of the Week winners for Week 1 of the...

SEPTEMBER 2, 2021 • MCALL.COM

No agreement on long-term deal Williams and the Saints did not agree on a long-term contract before last week's deadline, George Faust of KLFY reports.

Impact The two sides won't be allowed to resume contract negotiations until next offseason. Williams thus will play the 2021 campaign under the franchise tag at a price of $10.6 million, which represents the Saints' largest cap hit of the season in the absence of a high-priced quarterback.

JULY 19, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Accepts franchise tag Williams signed his franchise tag Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact Williams is expected to continue negotiating a long-term deal with the Saints. The 24-year-old safety has started in all 60 of his NFL appearances, and he's recorded at least 55 tackles in each of his first four seasons. The 2017 second-round pick has also collected 30 pass breakups and 13 interceptions.

MARCH 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Tagged by cap-strapped Saints The Saints are giving Williams a franchise tag, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact It's surprising given the team's cap situation, but less surprising when we consider that Williams is one of the league's top players at one of the cheaper positions. The Saints can lower the 2021 cap hit with a long-term contract or a tag-and-trade, or they can just find other ways to become compliant. Williams has 60 starts and 13 INTs to his name through four pro seasons.

MARCH 9, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Solid fourth-year production Williams totaled 59 tackles (39 solo), seven passes defended and three interceptions across 14 regular-season games in 2020.

Impact He's now picked off 13 passes through his first four seasons and racked up at least 50 tackles in each campaign. Williams has been a key contributor on New Orleans' defense since arriving in the league, though his future with the team is unclear as he's set to become a free agent in 2021.

JANUARY 31, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Garners full practice workload Williams (ankle) was a full practice participant Thursday.

Impact Williams' status is looking promising for the Saints' wild-card matchup against Chicago, with the safety already having overcome practice restrictions from Wednesday. Given that New Orleans doesn't kick off until Sunday at 4:40 pm EST, Williams will be afforded extra recovery opportunity compared to players in earlier time slots. The 24-year-old is in line to make his first appearance since suffering a low-ankle sprain Week 15 against Kansas City, and his presence in the lineup will be welcomed. The opposing Bears had scored 30-plus points in four straight games before being stymied to the tune of 16 points by the Packers in the regular-season finale.

JANUARY 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Limited in Wednesday's practice Williams (ankle) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's injury report.

Impact Williams has missed the past two games due to an ankle injury, but it looks like he's beginning to improve as he was able to participate in some of Wednesday's practice. Expect P.J. Williams to continue taking over the safety's duties if Marcus Williams remains injured for Sunday's wild-card matchup against the Bears.

JANUARY 6, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Set for second straight sit Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Panthers, Katherine Terrell of The Athletic reports.

Impact Williams will miss a second straight game. P.J. Williams started at free safety in Williams' place during last week's win over the Vikings, and he should assume that role once again for the season finale.

JANUARY 1, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Misses practice Williams (ankle) was a non-participant at Wednesday's practice.

Impact Williams is nursing a low-ankle sprain and missed last week's victory over the Vikings as a result. He will likely need to show some signs of life at practice this week in order for him to have any chance at suiting up in the Saints' regular-season finale. Should the 24-year-old end up having to sit out again, look for P.J. Williams to be the prime beneficiary.

DECEMBER 31, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play on Christmas Williams (ankle) has been ruled out for Friday's game against the VIkings.

Impact The 24-year-old safety has been unable to contribute even a limited practice session this week, making it unsurprising that he's been confirmed out for Christmas Day due to his high-ankle sprain. Williams' absence will mark his first of the 2020 campaign and just the third of his four-year NFL career. P.J. Williams is the expected replacement at free safety, with the opposing Vikings aiming to keep postseason hopes alive by way of a road win.

DECEMBER 24, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Nursing low-ankle sprain Williams suffered a low-ankle sprain during Sunday's 32-29 loss to the Chiefs, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Impact Williams was forced out of Sunday's narrow loss midway through the fourth quarter, but it looks as though he's avoided a serious injury. Still, it remains to be seen whether the starting safety will be available against the Vikings on Dec. 25. He'll undergo additional medical testing Monday.

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Sustains ankle injury versus Chiefs Williams (ankle) has been labeled questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Chiefs, John Hendrix of SI.com reports.

Impact The 24-year-old's absence depleted New Orleans' secondary down the stretch, as Kansas City proved capable of icing the win by virtue of a seven play, 34-yard drive on the game's final possession. Williams departed the contest at the 9:49 mark of the fourth quarter with two tackles to his name, leaving P.J. Williams as the fill-in at free safety. New Orleans faces a short week with a Christmas showdown against Minnesota on the schedule for Friday.

DECEMBER 21, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Leads team in tackles Williams recorded seven tackles (five solo) in the Saints' 24-21 loss to the Eagles on Sunday.

Impact Williams paced Philly in tackles Sunday, racking up seven for the second week in a row. He'll likely be busy in Week 15, when the Saints host Kansas City and its explosive offense.

DECEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Another interception in Week 11 win Williams produced three tackles (two solo) and an interception in the Saints' 24-9 win over the Falcons on Sunday.

Impact Williams came away with his second pick in three games, as New Orleans' defense stifled Matt Ryan and Co. all afternoon. Williams will look to keep up the strong play in Week 12 when the Saints face the turnover-prone Drew Lock.

NOVEMBER 23, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Another pick in Week 9 victory Williams totaled one solo tackle and an interception in the Saints' 38-3 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.

Impact Williams came away with one of the Saints' three interceptions Sunday - his second of the season. The ball hawk is now up to 12 career interceptions halfway into his fourth NFL season. He'll look to add to that total when the Saints face Nick Mullens and San Francisco in Week 10.

NOVEMBER 9, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Six tackles in Week 7 victory Williams totaled six tackles (three solo) in the Saints' 27-24 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Impact Williams tied with Marshon Lattimore for team lead in tackles Sunday, accomplishing that feat for the first time since Week 2. He'll look to build on this performance in a Week 8 date with the Bears.

OCTOBER 26, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Leads team in tackles Williams totaled nine tackles (seven solo) in the Saints' 34-24 loss to the Raiders on Monday.

Impact Williams led the team in tackles Monday, as he improved significantly from his one-tackle performance in Week 1. With a primetime matchup against Green Bay on tap for Week 2, Williams should have his work cut out for him against Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones and Co.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Nabs interception in Sunday's win Williams finished with one tackle, one pass defended and an interception in Sunday's 34-23 win over the Saints.

Impact Williams recorded his 11th career interception, though he only managed one tackle in the victory. After talk of improving his tackling this season, Williams isn't off to a great start in that category, though his ability to force turnovers certainly keeps him in the discussion as a weekly IDP play.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2020 • ROTOWIRE

Working on improved tackling Williams plans to focus on his tackling this offseason, Luke Johnson of Nola.com reports.

Impact According to Williams, "I definitely have to improve my tackling. Last year was a down year." Head coach Sean Payton echoed those sentiments as well. Aside from the career-low 55 tackles (40 solo) in 2019, Williams had a solid season, nabbing four picks and scoring his first defensive touchdown, while breaking up a career-best 13 passes (second in the NFL). If he can indeed improve in the tackling department, Williams' value -- both real-world and fantasy -- should grow in his fourth NFL season.

AUGUST 15, 2020 • ROTOWIRE