The Philadelphia Eagles are continuing to refine their already impressive Super Bowl-winning secondary. On Tuesday, the team made a move to bolster its defensive depth by signing former Baltimore Ravens safety Marcus Williams to a one-year, $1.5 million contract. This low-risk deal aims to fill the void left by the departures of two fan-favorite players, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Darius Slay, both of whom are no longer part of the team after the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory over the Chiefs.

Williams, 28, comes to Philadelphia following a tumultuous three-year stint with the Ravens. He signed a massive $70 million contract in 2022, but his time in Baltimore was marred by injuries and inconsistent performances. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, including a strong 2022 season where he posted four interceptions, Williams struggled to maintain his high-level play due to health issues. In 2022, a dislocated wrist forced him to miss several games, and in 2023, a torn pectoral muscle sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. To make matters worse, in 2024, Williams was benched twice and eventually became a healthy scratch for the final five games of the year.

Although his recent performances have raised concerns, Williams is still a young player at 28, and his potential is far from exhausted. An NFC scout told ESPN, “Upper-body dings don’t kill careers this young. If he’s healthy, Philly’s got a steal.” The Eagles are not expecting a miraculous turnaround from Williams, but they are bringing him on board for his experience and ability to provide depth in a secondary that is undergoing some changes.

With the loss of Gardner-Johnson, who was traded to Houston, and Slay, who signed with Pittsburgh, the Eagles’ secondary needed reinforcements. While rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are expected to take on significant roles in the defensive backfield, Williams provides a seasoned veteran presence that could help stabilize the secondary. His experience and ball-hawking ability make him an ideal candidate to fill the void left by Gardner-Johnson, who was known for his playmaking skills. In his first six seasons in the NFL, Williams had an impressive 19 interceptions, five of which came during his time with the New Orleans Saints and four in his debut season with the Ravens in 2022.

Despite his recent injury struggles, Williams still has the potential to be a valuable asset for the Eagles. His range as a center fielder could be particularly beneficial for defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, as the Eagles look to maintain a strong and versatile secondary. With the departure of Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles have a need for a playmaker who can make key interceptions and create turnovers. While Williams may not be the same player he once was, his veteran leadership and ability to read the field could provide much-needed support for Philly’s younger defensive backs.

The deal with Williams is also financially savvy for the Eagles. With only $22 million in cap space for the 2025 season, the team couldn’t afford to make a large investment in a player with injury concerns. However, at just $1.5 million for one year, Williams represents a low-cost gamble with the potential for high rewards. He won’t be starting over the likes of Mitchell or DeJean, but his presence as a backup and insurance policy provides valuable depth. Williams could be called upon to step into a starting role if needed, or he could serve as a mentor for the younger players in the secondary, helping to elevate the overall performance of the defense.

The Eagles are clearly focused on building a deep, well-rounded team that can defend its Super Bowl LIX championship. With Williams added to the mix, their secondary remains one of the most dangerous in the NFL. While it’s still uncertain whether he will regain his previous form, the Eagles are taking a chance on his potential and his ability to provide stability and depth in the defensive backfield.

For a team that has shown a commitment to remaining competitive while managing their salary cap, the signing of Williams is a smart move. If he can stay healthy and rediscover his form, the Eagles will have a versatile and experienced safety to help defend their title. Even if Williams doesn’t become a star, his leadership and ability to fill in when needed make him a valuable asset for a team that’s focused on repeating its success in the upcoming season. With the addition of Marcus Williams, the Philadelphia Eagles’ secondary remains one of the most formidable in the league, ready to defend their crown.