Is S Marcus Williams the ideal FA target for Jacksonville Jaguars?

Coming off a 1-15 season, Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer has his work cut out. Although getting a franchise quarterback should be at the top of their priority list, they will likely use the first overall selection in 2021’s draft to take Trevor Lawrence, so they can go ahead and scratch it off. However, it’s less clear how they will address their other needs and if they want to prioritize the safety position in free agency, they should target Marcus Williams.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report sees Williams as the Jaguars’ ideal free agency target. He believes the Utah product could upgrade a defense that ranked 31st in both points allowed and total yards in 2020. Also, he brings up the safety’s ability to make plays, having logged 20 passes defensed and seven interceptions over the last two years.

Knox adds that the Jaguars should have no trouble signing Williams, as they will have the most cap space in the league in 2021. He thinks Jacksonville needs to bring in free agents that will be in their prime when the Jaguars’ franchise quarterback (most probably Lawrence) is entering his and believes Williams fits the bill.

Williams should be at the top of the Jacksonville Jaguars free-agent list.

A second-round pick in 2017, Williams has earned top coverage grades from Pro Football Focus and has the highest rate of forced incompletions. In his four-year career, he’s registered 256 total tackles (56 for a loss), two forced fumbles, 30 passes defensed, and 13 interceptions.

PFF projects that William will land in Jacksonville and sign a four-year $57 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. The Jaguars need to add as much talent as they can to their secondary and can easily afford to sign Williams.

Jarrod Wilson will probably start at one safety spot but it’s currently uncertain who will play alongside him. Although Daniel Thomas displayed flashes as a rookie in 2020, Williams would be a significant upgrade over the Auburn standout.

Although the Jaguars are just starting their rebuilding process, they don’t need to wait long to start winning games. They can quickly get better if they make the right moves this offseason and signing Williams would be one of them.