A reunion no one sees coming could be the perfect response to Saints latest injury
The New Orleans Saints fear that safety Julian Blackmon suffered a torn labrum in their 20-13 defeat versus the Arizona Cardinals. Former Saints safety Marcus Williams immediately jumps out as a strong target for a possible reunion in New Orleans.
Williams has remained a free agent since March, after he was released by the Ravens. The two sides parted ways due to poor production on the field and a large hit to the team’s salary cap.
A reunion with New Orleans seems possible, especially after the Saints opted for a veteran presence by signing. Blackmon, following Tyrann Matthieu’s surprising retirement. He could instantly fill the teams safety void if they decide to take the veteran pathway.
A return to New Orleans could reignite Marcus Williams
Williams was drafted by the squad in the 2nd round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent his first 5 seasons in New Orleans where he was regarded as one of the best young safeties in the league. His highly productive role as a deep safety led him to sign a 5 year $70 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens in the 2022 offseason. He finished his Saints tenure with 320 tackles and 11 interceptions.
Williams saw the worst year of his career in the 2024 campaign. The Ravens found more success with their younger safeties, resulting in the team making him a healthy scratch in several games and eventually leading to his release this offseason. He finished the season with career lows in every major category and posted a career low PFF grade of 42.9.
Williams would also be the deep safety. That's what he did best, and it's how Blackmon was used the most in the season opener. He was a player who kept the lid on the offense. You're not going to want Williams in the box often so expect a similar role if he joins the Saints.
Aside from a down year in 2024, Williams has been a consistently productive starter. A change of scenery to a place he once called home could be what he needs to regenerate his former production. He had multiple interceptions each of his seasons in New Orleans, including two seasons with four interceptions. Williams provides the Saints with a familiar face, a veteran presence, and a player that is capable of taking on a prominent role.
Former QB Rips Unimpressive Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty is one of the most hyped running backs to come into the NFL in recent years. With running backs typically having success as rookies, many aren’t going to be patient with him.
The Las Vegas Raiders beat the New England Patriots 20-13 in Week 1, but Jeanty had a poor game, averaging 2.0 yards a carry. The offensive line didn’t do him many favors, but the team would like to see more from the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley.
It’s just one game, but some are starting to question whether or not Jeanty is as good as everybody thought. Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms slammed Jeanty after the win against the Patriots.
“Ashton Jeanty, I know he’s the star, but … I don’t like the way Ashton Jeanty looks,” Simms said on PFT Live.
“He has not impressed me once yet. There’s a lack of explosion that I think is lacking for a guy that was drafted in the top 10. I’m hoping I’m wrong because I loved watching him in college football, but I’ve not been thoroughly impressed at all.”
Jeanty has another tough matchup against a stout Los Angeles Chargers defense in Week 2, so it might still take some time for him to have a breakout game.
Pete Carroll Talks Jeanty’s Debut
Jeanty would likely be the first to admit he didn’t have his best game. He did score a touchdown, but 2.0 yards a carry is about as bad as it gets.
Now, he was frequently met in the backfield by defenders due to poor offensive play, so it might not necessarily be all his fault. Head coach Pete Carroll spoke about Jeanty’s debut and where the young running back can improve.
“Ashton was hyped,” Carroll said Monday. “He was jacked up and he would tell you, I think, that he wishes he had been a little more patient on some reads and things like that. That will come. He didn’t look like that in preseason. This game, being out there, being called on to play and carry the ball 19 times, it was a little bit different for him. He’ll play way better, he’ll see things more clearly. I know he was a little frustrated by that.”
Do Raiders Need to Be Concerned About Jeanty?
The fact that Jeanty didn’t have a very strong preseason has only added to the noise that he’s not as good as everybody thought. However, it’s still far too early for anybody to be concerned about him.
He’s a young player who just played his first NFL game after playing at a non-Power 5 school in college. The fact that the Raiders’ offensive line played poorly didn’t help. Just look at how much better Saquon Barkley was once he got behind a great Philadelphia Eagles offensive line.
Jeanty has far too much talent not to at least make some big plays this season. Maybe he won’t be one of the best running backs in the NFL as a rookie, but the Raiders drafted him so highly because they were confident in his ability. They aren’t going to start worrying about him yet, especially with the type of work ethic he has.
