Saints use the franchise tag on safety Williams

The New Orleans Saints have placed the franchise tag on free safety Marcus Williams, general manager Mickey Loomis announced on Tuesday.

The decision prevents the 24-year-old Williams from entering free agency and effectively places him under a one-year contract for about $10.5 million.

■ Bears: Chicago placed the franchise tag on star receiver Allen Robinson on Tuesday.

■ Bills: Center Mitch Morse agreed to take a $2 million pay cut to help the team free up salary cap space, according to reports.

■ Browns: Cleveland released veteran defensive end Adrian Clayborn after one season on Tuesday, clearing out $3 million under the cap.

■ Buccaneers: Tampa Bay placed the franchise tag on wide receiver Chris Godwin.

■ Falcons: Atlanta saved almost $4 million from the 2021 salary cap by cutting veteran offensive guard James Carpenter.

■ Giants: New York placed the franchise tag on defensive tackle Leonard Williams. If no long-term deal is reached by July 15, he will earn more than $19 million for the upcoming season.

■ Jaguars: Jacksonville used its franchise tag on left tackle Cam Robinson. Tagging Robinson will guarantee the lineman about $14 million in 2021.

■ Lions: Detroit signed former Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams.

■ Panthers: Carolina placed the franchise tag on offensive tackle Taylor Moton. If no long-term deal is reached, Moton would make between $13 million and $14 million next season.

■ Titans: Tennessee released cornerback Malcolm Butler on Tuesday, according to his agent Derek Simpson.

■ Vikings: Minnesota cleared more salary cap space by cutting kicker Dan Bailey on Tuesday. The move provides the team a $1.7 million savings on their cap this season.