Saints Rumors: Marcus Williams 'Does Not Expect' Franchise Tag Ahead of 2022 FA

New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Williams is set to become a free agent, though the New Orleans Saints have the option to use the franchise tag for a second straight season to keep him. 

That seems unlikely, however. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "Williams does not expect to be tagged, I'm told, as the Saints would prefer a long-term deal for cap purposes if they can get something done."

Williams, 25, registered 74 tackles, two interceptions, eight passes defensed and a forced fumble in 2021, appearing in 16 games.  

He's a key part of the team's defense and has emerged as one of the top safeties in the game, though the Saints will have some big decisions to make in free agency, with offensive tackle Terron Armstead, quarterback Jameis Winston and safety P.J. Williams also set to hit the market. 

Per ESPN's Dan Graziano, "many around the league expect Winston to return to the Saints," though he added that he heard a rumor that the Saints could consider making a move for San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. 

That might be a long shot, but it's a reminder that addressing the quarterback position will take top priority for the Saints this offseason. And with Armstead one of the top targets on the market, finding cap space for all three of their top free agents could be tricky, though not impossible.

That could mean that Williams gets the tag. Doing so, however, would lead to $13.5 million cap hit, and players tend to not look favorably on receiving the tag once, let alone twice. 

It seems likely, regardless, that a reunion for Williams and the Saints is in the cards. Whether that's only for one more season or the foreseeable future remains to be seen.