Jamaal Williams Departs Lions for Saints

One of the Detroit Lions' emotional leaders will not return in 2023.

Jamaal Williams' tenure with the Detroit Lions is over. 

The talented running back, who signed a free-agent contract with the team back in 2021, has signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. 

Detroit agreed to a contract with former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery, effectively signaling the end of the BYU product's time as a member of the Lions.

Williams' deal is reportedly for three years and $12 million, with $8 million in guaranteed monies. 

The #Saints and former #Lions RB Jamaal Williams have agreed to terms on a 3-year deal, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023

Though the Lions were viewed as favorites to retain him, reports surfaced that the two parties were far apart on contract terms. After emerging as an emotional leader in the locker room, Williams will be playing for a new team in 2023. 

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes said there was mutual interest between the two sides during his interview at the NFL Combine, and Williams stated he wanted to return to the Lions in an interview with the team's website during the Super Bowl.

“I really just want to stay with Detroit, if I can,” Williams said. “Really just stay here and make my mark here. I really want to finish (my career) here, if I could. I understand it’s a business, and the team has to do what’s best for them and I have to do what’s best for me, too. But, I just really want us to come to a mutual agreement, and just get it done and just get back to playing football.”

Throughout the offseason, at least three other teams emerged with interest in the veteran running back. A report from GoLongTD.com stated that the Buffalo Bills, the New York Jets and the Cincinnati Bengals all had interest in signing Williams. 

Williams became a fan favorite quickly in Detroit for his engaging personality and unique interests, but his 2022 performance endeared him even more to the fanbase. With D’Andre Swift dealing with injuries, he shined in a bigger role. 

He broke the Lions’ single-season rushing touchdown record with 17 TDs, passing the mark previously held by Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. The sixth-year pro also posted his first career 1,000-yard season.

He had a career-high 262 carries in 2022, which dwarfed his previous best of 153.    

The 2022 season truly was a banner year for Williams, as he posted career-high marks in virtually every category. He also made waves in the preseason for an emotional, inspiring speech given in the first episode of the Lions’ appearance on HBO's "Hard Knocks" series. 

Prior to signing with the Lions ahead of the 2021 season, Williams spent the first four seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers. 

He split touches with Aaron Jones for the majority of his tenure in Green Bay, before the Packers elected not to re-sign him after the 2020 season.