Report: Saints Sign RB Jamaal Williams

New Orleans takes care of another huge team need on the first official day of free agency with the addition of a proven running back.

Bob Rose | Mar 15, 2023

Report: Saints Sign RB Jamaal Williams /

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New Orleans Saints

NFL Insider Adam Schefter reports on Wednesday that the New Orleans Saints will sign free-agent RB Jamaal Williams to a three-year contract. The deal is for $12 million total, with $8 million guaranteed, reports Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network.

Williams, who turns 28 on April 3, was a fourth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers out of BYU in the 2017 NFL Draft. In four years with the Packers, Williams rushed for 1,985 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging four yards per carry and caught 122 passes for 961 yards and another 8 scores.

Williams signed with the Detroit Lions as a free agent in 2021. He had 601 yards rushing while catching 26 passes for 157 yards in 2021.

The 2022 campaign was a breakout season for Williams. He led the Lions with a career-high 1,066 yards. His 17 rushing touchdowns led the NFL, as he recorded two 100-yard games and had six more outings of at least 60 yards.

The primary quarterback for BYU during the final three years of Williams collegiate career was Taysom Hill, who of course will be a backfield mate in New Orleans.

Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams runs past Seattle Seahawks defenders.

The 6-foot and 224-Lb. Williams is a productive runner between the tackles with underrated speed on the edge. He'll provide a capable complement to RB Alvin Kamara, a major weakness for the Saints in 2022.

Kamara is also expected to serve at least a six-game NFL suspension in 2023 because of legal issues. Williams provides the offense with a capable starting back who is able to carry the brunt of the backfield touches.

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