The NFL’s July 15 deadline for extending franchise-tagged players has come and gone, but the New Orleans Saints were unable to strike a deal with standout safety Marcus Williams.
Williams signed his $10.612 million franchise tag in March, which he will play on for the upcoming season. New Orleans must now wait until the 2021 season has concluded to reopen contract negotiations.
This is the first time in the Sean Payton era that the Saints have failed to sign a franchise-tagged player prior to the deadline.
Williams has recorded 13 interceptions, 30 pass deflections and 246 total tackles in his first four career seasons in the league.