NFL rumors: Saints prioritizing 2 key free agents above all else

The New Orleans Saints are in a tricky salary cap situation, but they’re prioritizing Marcus Williams.

Williams fits the Saints scheme perfectly, but is due to make a pretty penny in free agency. That’s for good reason, as Pro Football Focus has Williams ranked as a top-10 player at his position, free safety. He’s started nearly every game he’s been eligible to play since he was drafted in the third round in 2017.

New Orleans would also prefer to keep Jameis Winston, per a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. They’re currently near $69 million over the projected salary cap, so that’ll be easier said than done. I’d prefer a new car and a mansion, but would have to make some serious financial sacrifices first. Ironically enough, the Saints find themselves in a similar situation.

Saints rumors: Can New Orleans keep Marcus Williams and Jameis Winston?

Keeping both seems unlikely, if only that Winston might demand a significant pay increase elsewhere as a guaranteed starter and bridge quarterback, rather than competing with Tayson Hill come training camp. Williams, though, could be had if the Saints make him their top priority.

Williams will make top dollar. He’s one of the best free agent safeties available, and perhaps the best once the Broncos franchise tag Justin Simmons. If the Saints can convince him to take a pay decrease to stay and compete for a championship, backload his contract, or perhaps even load his deal with incentives, then they might be able to strike a deal. It won’t be as simple as handing him a bundle of owner Gayle Benson’s money.

It’s no surprise the Saints ‘want’ to keep both players. It would be a major eye-opener if they were to make that request a reality, though.