The Saints released veteran running back Jamaal Williams on Tuesday.
The release is the first major move of the offseason for the Saints, who have to clear at least $40 million to become salary cap compliant before the start of the new league year March 12.
The Saints will save $1.59 million against the cap with Williams’ release and absorb $2.34 million in dead money.
Williams signed a three-year deal in 2023 worth an average of $4 million a year and a total of $8 million guaranteed. At the time of his signing, Williams was coming off a career-best season with the Detroit Lions in which he led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Williams, 29, never came close to those numbers in his two seasons in New Orleans. He rushed for a combined 470 yards and two touchdowns, and became expendable after Alvin Kamara signed an extension last fall.
This is the Saints’ second offseason move toward becoming cap compliant. The first occurred in early January, when they reworked the contract of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who is expected to retire this offseason because of knee issues.
Jamaal Williams has built a reputation as one of the most reliable and energetic running backs in the NFL. Known for his hard-nosed running style and infectious personality, he became a fan favorite wherever he played. During his time with the Detroit Lions, he had a breakout 2022 season, leading the league in rushing touchdowns with 17 and surpassing 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. His ability to power through defenders in short-yardage situations and convert key plays made him a valuable asset in any offensive scheme.
After signing with the New Orleans Saints, expectations were high for Williams to bring his toughness and leadership to the backfield. However, his production dipped due to injuries and a crowded running back rotation featuring Alvin Kamara and rookie Kendre Miller. Williams struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with lower rushing totals than anticipated and failing to replicate the explosive success he had in Detroit. While he remained a solid depth option, his impact on the Saints’ offense was not as significant as many had hoped.
Despite his recent struggles, Williams’ career has proven that he can be a reliable contributor to any team in need of a veteran presence in the backfield. His experience, strong locker room presence, and ability to grind out tough yards make him a valuable option for teams looking for a dependable rusher. As he enters free agency, Williams will likely draw interest from multiple teams needing a power back, and with the right opportunity, he could bounce back and regain his form as a productive NFL running back.
