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The New Orleans Saints kept some of their secondary depth. On Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network announced that the team agreed to a one-year deal with cornerback PJ Williams worth $2 million.
The #Saints and CB PJ Williams have agreed to terms for his return. He started 8 games last year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2020
The #Saints and CB PJ Williams agreed to a 1-year deal worth $2M fully guaranteed for the versatile DB, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 2, 2020
As Rapoport points out, Williams started eight games for the Saints in 2019. He also served a two-game suspension following a DUI arrest.
He was drafted by New Orleans back in 2015 (third round) and has spent the entirety of his career with the Saints. He has been a consistent defensive back over the last three seasons, with 2019 being another strong campaign; he notched 44 tackles, an interception and four passes defensed in his eight starts.
While he's not a superstar, Williams is reliable. And at 26 years old (and 27 before the start of next season), he's both young and also brings veteran presence to the New Orleans locker room..
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New Orleans went 13-3 last season, but fell to the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round of the playoffs.
Doubtlessly, the Saints will want to make some improvements this offseason. However, they will also want to retain as much talent as they can afford to. After all, if a few things went differently they could have easily been a Super Bowl-bound team.
In his career, Williams has 24 pass deflections and four interceptions (including one that he returned for a touchdown). He's also recorded two sacks and two forced fumbles, adding some versatility to his game.
This may seem like an unassuming re-signing. However, the Saints are bringing back a versatile defensive back and one who has been reliable in the nickel spot for them over the last few seasons.
A low-cost contract like this could play a major part in their future success.
