In a significant move, the Baltimore Ravens are expected to release safety Marcus Williams, as reported by ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler. This news comes as Williams prepares for free agency, following a recent contract restructure that included a notable trigger on March 13th. Last season, Williams was benched, and with 20 career interceptions, his performance has raised concerns.

This decision is not surprising, as many anticipated it after Williams’ underwhelming season. Although he had solid early years with the Ravens, his performance drastically declined, leading to his benching during what was expected to be a Super Bowl-contending season.

The Ravens initially signed Williams to a five-year, $70 million deal but restructured it to save cap space. The new contract allowed for a post-June 1st designation for his release, creating approximately $9.9 million in cap savings while minimizing dead money in future years.

Analysis of Williams’ performance reveals a PFF grade of just 42.9, ranking him among the bottom safeties in the league. His coverage grade was particularly concerning, further solidifying the Ravens’ decision to move on. Following his benching, the defense improved significantly with Ardarius Washington stepping in, showcasing the need for a change.

As the Ravens look ahead to the draft and free agency, they now have additional cap space to invest in bolstering their roster. This move marks a pivotal step in the team’s strategy as they aim to enhance their defensive capabilities moving forward.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis on the Ravens’ offseason moves!