The Baltimore Ravens made a big splash in NFL free agency on Tuesday, moving to improve the secondary by locking down Marcus Williams, who was one of the best defensive backs on the market. Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Williams is set to join the Ravens on a lucrative five-year, $70 million deal, where he'll instantly step in as an upgrade to the team's secondary.

His departure is a huge loss for the New Orleans Saints, who have enjoyed the fruits of his labor over the past few seasons. With Williams no longer in town, the Saints will need to address the hole he left behind.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) takes the field for the first quarter of the NFL Week 18 game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Acrisure Stadium.
Joe Burrow reveals disappointment with another Bengals primetime game vs Ravens
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) runs to score a touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Derrick Henry’s main focus after extension with Ravens
Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) smiles after the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images. As Henry is grateful for big contract extension.
Ravens star Derrick Henry’s ‘grateful’ stance after historic contract extension

In 2021, the Ravens surrendered an NFL worst 278.9 passing yards per game. Their secondary was a constant point of weakness that opposing teams would frequently aim to pick apart. Allowing that many passing yards per game is a surefire way to find yourself playing from behind, which was the case for the Ravens in many games last season.

Hopefully, the big signing of Williams can put an end to the disastrous production out of Baltimore's secondary and help get this team back on track for a playoff push in 2022. After a dismal season from the Ravens' defense in 2021, the team is not shying away from splashing the cash in order to acquire the necessary improvements.

Last season in New Orleans, Williams recorded 74 tackles, 2 interceptions, 8 pass defenses, and 1 forced fumble across 16 games. Throughout his five years with the Saints, the 25-year-old racked up 15 interceptions, 38 pass breakups, and 320 total tackles, starting in all 76 games he played in.