The 2021 offseason is rife with challenges for the New Orleans Saints and general manager Mickey Loomis. But that did not stop New Orleans from using the franchise tag.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the Saints applied to tag to safety Marcus Williams ahead of Tuesday's deadline.

The Saints had the least amount of cap space in the NFL even with Drew Brees reducing his salary to the veterans minimum ahead of his expected retirement. Loomis has quite a bit of work to do in the near future, but Williams is likely worth the investment.

Williams has been a takeaway machine for the Saints. He finished the 2020 season with three interceptions, the third year in his career in which he has had at least three or more picks. The 24-year-old also showed improvements in high coverage and as a tackler.

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It is quite possible Williams would have been one of the most attractive safeties on the market after Denver Broncos star Justin Simmons was hit with the tag. He earned a 79.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, just one season after recording an outstanding 86.5 grade.

The Saints' retention of Williams obviously begs the question of how they will now look to shed salary. One of the more interesting options could be a trade involving Marshon Lattimore.

The 24-year-old has been a Pro Bowler in three of his four NFL seasons, including 2020. He is one of the better coverage guys in the game. But New Orleans can save over $10 million by trading Lattimore, providing salary relief and future value.

In any event, Loomis and the Saints clearly believe Williams is an imperative part to the defense's success going forward.