They have worked hard to strengthen the roster in some high-profile positions, but the Washington Commanders still have a potential weak spot in the secondary a former Baltimore Ravens starter would help solidify.
Eight-year pro Marcus Williams is still a free agent, and Carmen Vitali of Fox Sports thinks the natural free safety has a fit in Washington. Vitali noted “the Commanders added Will Harris this offseason as their box safety, but I still have my questions about Quan Martin, if we’re grasping at straws here. At the very least, I don’t think a veteran would hurt in that room.”
The allusion to Quan Martin as a question mark is dubious, but there is a lack of cover behind the second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft. It’s a different story at the strong safety spot, where as many as three big-bodied thumpers can replace last season’s starter Jeremy Chinn, but the Commanders could use another ball-hawk on the back end.
Williams would qualify if he’s able to return to full health and his best form. Neither things were present during a mostly disappointing stint with the Ravens, but the 28-year-old was once a turnover machine for the New Orleans Saints.
Joining a Commanders team on the rise, on a defense still taking shape, could be Williams’ best chance to revive his career.
Marcus Williams Has Traits Commanders Need
What the Commanders would get from Williams is a seasoned, single-high safety used to playing at a remove from the line of scrimmage. He’s done some of his best work patrolling the deep portion of the field.
That work has included Williams snagging a quartet of interceptions three times in a single season during his career. The last time was in 2022, when Williams started 10 games for the Ravens.
His ball skills and opportunistic streak were obvious when Williams made this unlikely pick against the Miami Dolphins.
This was a rare special moment for Williams in a Ravens uniform. A wrist injury and torn pec kept him off the field, while his own struggles when healthy all played a part in Williams being released in March.
The way things ended in Baltimore makes Williams a proven commodity the Commanders could acquire on the cheap. A bargain deal is worth the modest risk for a team still shaking things up at safety.
Commanders Shuffling the Deck at Safety
They may be content to rely on the underrated Martin to bounce back after a tough 2024 season, but the Commanders are changing the picture elsewhere on the depth chart. Chinn’s departure has created a space for any member of a trio of heavy hitters to fill.
It means Percy Butler, Dominique Hampton or Tyler Owens are in line for more playing time this year. They can each play the hybrid box safety/nickel linebacker role previously occupied by Chinn and Darrick Forrest, who joined the Las Vegas Raiders and Buffalo Bills, respectively, in free agency.
There are no such numbers available to cover Martin if he endures more of the shoulder problems that blighted him last season. Or if the 25-year-old simply regresses on the field.
Harris is an option after spending time at cornerback during his time with the Detroit Lions, but he’s also somebody who hasn’t completed a full season since 2021. Putting another body into the mix, even if Williams has his own sketchy record for durability, makes sense.
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