PFF: Raiders expected to be interested in free-agent FS Marcus Williams

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The Raiders are expected to be active in the free-agent market once again this offseason as they have to find a way to improve their defense. Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden will have to decide which is the best way to use their limited cap space and which players would help upgrade the defense the most.

One potential option is free-agent safety Marcus Williams, formerly of the New Orleans Saints. At just 24 years old, the former Utah safety is the best free safety on the market and a perfect fit in Gus Bradley’s defense. He has a ton of experience playing single-high safety and his range and instincts have allowed him to total 30 pass breakups and 13 interceptions over the last four years.

In a recent article by Pro Football Focus, the Raiders were named a likely destination for Williams in free agency at four years for $57 million. That would make him one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL, but he is certainly worth the price tag. Here is what they said about the possible fit between Williams and the Raiders:

“The Raiders will be in the market for a fresh new safety to play the single-high role in Gus Bradley’s defense, and Williams — a West Coast native — is a prime candidate for that job.

Williams has established himself as one of the top cover safeties in the game since he entered the league as a second-round pick out of Utah in 2017. He has earned the fourth-best PFF grade at the position over the last four years, and the total WAR Williams has accumulated in that span is the fourth-most among all defenders.”

If the Raiders were able to secure Williams in free agency, the secondary would nearly be set. The team could always add another veteran cornerback, but with Williams back at the free safety position, he can cover up the flaws of the players in front of him.

There is no better fit for the Raiders in free agency than Williams and expect Mayock and Gruden to have an interest in the former Saints’ star.