USAT: Saints Wire audio clip

USAT: Saints Wire

Feb 19, 2022

- - - Pro Football Focus analyst Anthony Treash recently put together a list of the most-improved player from each NFL team during the 2021 season, and the New Orleans Saints’ standout may not be who you expected: defensive back P.J. Williams. - A seventh-year pro out of Florida State, Williams completed the transition from cornerback to free safety and was a big help in filling in for Marcus Williams when he missed time with an injury. His efforts boosted his overall PFF grade from 40.5 in 2020 to 70.0 in 2021 — an upswing of 29.5 points. Here’s what Treash wrote of Williams’ latest season: - “Williams only started a handful of games in 2021 and was mostly brought in off the bench. Still, there’s no denying he was significantly better than any other point in his career. It was the first season of his career that he didn’t play a significant amount of his snaps at cornerback. He proceeded to produce a career-high PFF grade.” - Now on the verge of unrestricted free agency, Williams has a big opportunity  in front of him to cash in and possibly join a new team. He played well enough last season to warrant a starter’s salary and the opportunity that comes with it, and that may not fit in the Saints’ plans. If new head coach Dennis Allen, whose background lies in working with defensive backs, views Williams as a backup then he’s probably going to go look for greener pastures. He’s earned that. - As for other Saints players who took a big leap in 2021: defensive end Marcus Davenport had his most productive year to date, and young wide receiver Marquez Callaway proved he belongs despite taking on a larger role in the passing game than was previously envisioned for him. There’s a real youth movement kicking off for New Orleans, and it’s going to help them take hits this offseason if veterans like Williams end up moving on. - - List - - 5 teams that could pursue Marcus Williams in free agency - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Saints Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Saints Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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