Making another splash in the free agent market, the New Orleans Saints signed running back Jamaal Williams to a three-year, $12 million contract Wednesday afternoon.
First reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport, Williams will head to New Orleans after spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions. In 2022, Williams led the league in rushing touchdowns (17) on the way to his first 1,000-yard season.
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Williams, 27, was selected by the Green Bay Packers out of BYU in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. In six seasons, Williams has amassed 3,652 rushing yards, 1,191 receiving yards, and 38 total touchdowns. During his 2022 breakout campaign, he averaged over four yards per carry.
Some may see Williams as the replacement for five-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara, who did restructure his contract recently, but because of a 2021 Las Vegas assault incident on videotape, there’s no assurance of his future. Additionally, there will be questions raised about the future of Saints backup running back Mark Ingram, who is currently a free agent.
Williams’ 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022 broke a Detroit Lions franchise record previously held by Hall of Famer Barry Sanders.
Williams will receive $8 million in guaranteed money from the Saints.
