The Atlanta Falcons are going to have a busy offseason. With many starters hitting free agency and limited cap space, the Falcons will have their hands full. GM Terry Fontenot needs to nail his decisions in free agency to get this team back to the postseason.
The defensive side of the ball will especially be a challenge for Atlanta. Lorenzo Carter, Eddie Goldman, Richie Grant, Mike Hughes, Matthew Judon, Dee Alford, and Justin Simmons are all pending free agents, and the Falcons will need to part ways with at least a few of them for financial reasons.
Being cash-strapped, however, shouldn't force the Falcons into making big mistakes.
One of those potential mistakes could involve a defender Fontenot helped draft during his time with the Saints. When he was a part of the front office in New Orleans, they drafted safety Marcus Williams in the second round of the draft.
Eight years later, Williams is expected to be released by the Ravens and become a free agent. Considering his decline in recent years, it would be a mistake for the Falcons to sign Williams in free agency.
Keep an eye on this one. Williams and Terry have the Saints connection. https://t.co/krX6sqd0lb
— Rise Up Penix (@RiseUpReader) February 28, 2025
Falcons Rumors: Signing Marcus Williams Would Be a Big Mistake
Williams signed a five-year, $70 million deal with Baltimore in the 2022 offseason. After grading as the second-worst safety among 98 eligible players in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus with a 42.9 grade, Williams will find it difficult to find a new team.
The 28-year-old began the season as a starter in Baltimore. As the Ravens' defense struggled in coverage early on, he was benched, first in favor of Eddie Jackson, then in favor of Ar'Darius Washington.
Bringing in a familiar face who had a track record of playing at a high level may seem appealing to Fontenot, but that would be a big mistake. The Falcons would be better off paying Justin Simmons, who played at a much higher level last season, instead.