With Organized Team Activities (OTAs) beginning on Monday, May 20, NFL teams are assessing their rosters for any gaps that need filling.
For the Baltimore Ravens to address potential roster needs, creating additional salary cap space is essential.
Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department suggested in their article on “Most Creative Ways Every NFL Team Could Create More Salary-Cap Space After 2024 Draft” that the Ravens should consider restructuring the contract of star safety Marcus Williams.
They noted that while the Ravens managed a challenging salary-cap situation this offseason and added talent to their roster, they may still need to clear more cap space.
Despite their financial challenges, the Ravens managed to acquire running back Derrick Henry and secure star defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.
However, financial constraints forced them to lose key players such as linebacker Patrick Queen, safety Geno Stone, wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., and outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney to free agency.
According to Bleacher Report, the Ravens currently have only $6.3 million in cap space. They suggest that Marcus Williams is an ideal candidate for restructuring, as his cap hit is $18.7 million, but $12 million of that could be converted into a bonus.
Freeing up $12 million in cap space would enable the Ravens to address any late-season injuries or roster gaps that could jeopardize their season.
Marcus Williams Aiming to Bounce Back After Tough 2023
Williams currently has the third highest cap hit on the Ravens, trailing only QB Lamar Jackson and CB Marlon Humphrey. His cap hit is the seventh highest among all secondary players in the NFL.
As a former second-round pick of the New Orleans Saints, Williams was a model of consistency, serving as a disruptive force in their secondary. Over his five years with the Saints, he never played fewer than 14 games and logged at least 880 defensive snaps each season.
