Jamaal Williams has left the Lions for the Saints.
Jamaal Williams’ time with the Detroit Lions has come to an end.
The dynamic running back, who signed a free-agent contract with the organization in 2021, has inked a contract extension with the New Orleans Saints through 2023.
Detroit agreed to terms with former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery, thus ending the BYU product’s stay with the Lions.
Williams’ contract is said to be for three years and $12 million, with $8 million guaranteed.
Though the Lions were thought to be the favorites to keep him, rumours circulated that the two parties were at odds over contract demands. Williams, who emerged as an emotional leader in the locker room, will be playing for a different team in 2023.
During his interview at the NFL Combine, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes claimed that there was mutual interest between the two sides, and Williams stated that he wanted to return to the Lions during the Super Bowl in an interview with the team’s website.
“I really just want to stay in Detroit if at all possible,” Williams added. “I really just want to stay here and make my mark.” If possible, I’d like to complete (my career) here. I recognize that it is a company, and that the team must do what is best for them, as well as what is best for me. But all I want is for us to reach a mutual understanding, get it done, and get back to playing football.”
At least three other clubs expressed interest in the veteran running back during the offseason. According to GoLongTD.com, the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Cincinnati Bengals were all interested in signing Williams.
Williams immediately became a fan favorite in Detroit because to his engaging personality and interesting interests, but his performance in 2022 endeared him even further to the fanbase. Due to D’Andre Swift’s injury, he took on a larger role.
With 17 touchdowns, he shattered the Lions’ single-season rushing touchdown record, which was previously held by Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. In addition, the sixth-year veteran had his first 1,000-yard season.
In 2022, he had a career-high 262 carries, far exceeding his previous best of 153.
Williams had a fantastic year in 2022, setting career highs in nearly every category. In the preseason, he garnered headlines for an impassioned, motivating speech he delivered in the first episode of the Lions’ participation on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series.
Williams played the first four seasons of his career with the Green Bay Packers before joining with the Lions before of the 2021 season.
For the bulk of his time in Green Bay, he split touches with Aaron Jones before the Packers decided not to re-sign him after the 2020 season.
The Sports Illustrated/All Lions staff wrote this article. For additional information, go to si.com/nfl/lions.
