P.J. Williams felt the New Orleans Saints were “best fit”

The New Orleans Saints watched Eli Apple depart for the Las Vegas Raiders, a contract that didn’t actually pan out, and knew they must do something to bolster their secondary.

Their answer wasn’t external but rather internal. The New Orleans Saints, instead of playing the market, re-signed P.J. Williams and also restructured Janoris Jenkins‘ contract. Along with Patrick Robinson and Marshon Lattimore, the Saints have solidified their secondary.

For Williams, it was seemingly as easy decision to return to the Big Easy, having been in New Orleans for all five of his professional seasons.

“Ultimately, I just feel like that’s the best fit for me. I’ve been there five years, this is about to be my sixth year. I love it there,” Williams told New Orleans Saints team reporter John DeShazier.

“You’ve got great coaches, it’s a great situation. A great chance to compete for a championship, which is ultimately the goal. And just being comfortable. We’ve got a good group, I feel like they’re doing a good job of keeping most of us together and also adding some good pieces. So I feel like ultimately, it was just the best decision for me,” Williams added.

Williams was a third-round draft pick by the Saints back in the 2015 NFL Draft. While he hasn’t had the biggest roles with the organization, starting just 23 games in those five seasons, they clearly still have a vision for him in their future.

Having his largest role yet this past season, Williams started eight games, playing in 14.

He totaled 44 combined tackles and four pass deflections to go along with three tackles for loss. Williams isn’t the star of the show, but he is a competent player oftentimes used to deepen the position.

Many weren’t in love with the re-signing of Williams, a player that had a 20% missed tackle rate last season.

Also allowing over a 65% completion percentage when targeted, Williams numbers could’ve been better, but the Saints coaching staff still trusts him to be productive when called upon. And, to be fair, that’s all that really matters.

The New Orleans Saints agreed to a one-year contract with Williams about two weeks ago.

With Jenkins aging, the 26-year-old Williams should be set to again see his role in the defense grow, and under more of a spotlight, he’ll have an opportunity to prove his worth, something he must do to continue his time in the Big Easy.

However, do not be shocked to see the team also deepen the cornerback position in the 2020 NFL Draft as well.