The New Orleans Saints have reportedly added more firepower to their running back room as former Detroit Lions player Jamaal Williams heads south on a three-year deal.
Williams was the NFL’s leader in rushing touchdowns last season, finding the flush paint 17 times for the Lions while surpassing his career high of four while with the Green Bay Packers.
He also set a career high with 1,066 rushing yards on 262 attempts for Detroit.
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Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a touchdown during a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 8, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Lions defeated the Packers 20-16. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Williams’ tough running style will try to complement the Saints’ Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara, who should still be the team’s leading rusher despite the addition of Williams.
Kamara had 897 rushing yards and 490 receiving yards, but just four total touchdowns on the year in 15 games.
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Given that Williams made just nine starts in his 17 games last season, he’s used to sharing touches. The Lions also sported D’Andre Swift in their backfield, so Williams just gave it his all when it was his turn to carry the ball.
He was also in that role entering the NFL as a fourth-round pick out of BYU by the Packers, backing up Aaron Jones for four seasons.
Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions reacts after a play against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of the game at AT&T Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
With the NFC South wide open, the Saints have been making big moves to improve both sides of the ball. On offense, Williams and Kamara will work with Derek Carr at quarterback after his release from the Las Vegas Raiders. Wide receiver Michael Thomas has also agreed to return to New Orleans, who hopes he can stay healthy this season alongside rookie standout Chris Olave.
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Head coach in Dennis Allen will certainly be looking to make sure everyone is on the same page for Week 1, and Williams could help with that. As NFL fans saw on HBO’s «Hard Knocks,» Williams is a natural and passionate leader in the locker room and is highly respected by both his teammates and coaches.
He was even seen shedding tears while giving a team speech during training camp.
Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 13, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. (Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
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New Orleans hopes Williams brings that fire and his production from last season to a group that averaged 116.6 rushing yards per game.