Report: Saints to Visit with RB Darrel Williams

The Saints host a former local star in a potential search for backfield depth.

NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reports that the New Orleans Saints will visit with free-agent RB Darrel Williams on Monday. New Orleans rookie RB Kendre Miller left Sunday's preseason game against Kansas City with a knee injury. It's not thought to be serious, but Miller may miss at least a couple weeks of action. 

The Saints had already met with RB Kareem Hunt last week, but were unable to reach a contract agreement. New Orleans has already lost Eno Benjamin (Achilles) for the year, while Kirk Merritt is dealing with a hamstring injury. 

Offseason addition Jamaal Williams is expected to be the Number 2 back and undrafted rookie Ellis Merriweather looked good against the Chiefs. However, there is no other depth behind Alvin Kamara, who will be suspended for the first three games of the regular season. 

A graduate of John Ehret High School in Louisiana and former LSU standout, Williams is a name familiar to the Gulf Coast region. He appeared in just six contests for the Arizona Cardinals last season, rushing for 102 yards and catching four passes for nine yards.

Jan. 2, 2022; Kansas City Chiefs running back Darrel Williams (31) carries against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Before landing in Arizona last year, Williams was a solid complementary piece for Andy Reid's Kansas City Chiefs attack, especially as a receiver. His best year was in 2021 with the Chiefs, when he rushed for 558 yards with six scores and added 47 receptions for 452 yards and two more touchdowns. 

In his first four years with the Chiefs, Williams had 912 yards on the ground, caught 83 passes for another 762 yards, and had 14 touchdowns. He was especially big in the Chiefs march to Super Bowl LV, rushing for 130 yards in their two AFC playoff wins.

Williams wouldn't be a flashy option, but was a versatile piece in back in a demanding Kansas City offense. He could be a valuable addition as a change-of-pace back, especially early in the year with Kamara out.