A former Green Bay Packers running back has garnered quite a lot of interest around the NFL. Jamaal Williams is set to hit free agency for the second time in his short career. Williams exploded for the Detroit Lions last season with 17 rushing touchdowns and 1066 rushing yards. Going into his seventh year, Williams could be a hot commodity for this free agency.
Four NFL Teams Reportedly Interested In Jamaal Williams
After a career year at 27 years of age, Jamaal Williams is one of the top free agent running backs available. Due to his age a long term or lucrative deal is unlikely for Williams, but that has not stopped teams from being interested. Williams recorded 17 touchdowns, 1066 rushing yards, and an average of 62.7 rushing yards per game.
Apc Packers Vs Lions 6439 010823 Wag
Williams came out of nowhere last season to lead the league in rushing touchdowns. Originally signed to be the backup for D’Andre Swift, Williams quickly took over the starting role. Now an unrestricted free agent, Williams will scour the NFL for his next opportunity.
Free agency nugget to pass along. There’s mutual interest in Jamaal Williams returning to Detroit, but a source told me today that Buffalo, Cincinnati and the New York Jets are all very interested in the running back.
Williams led the NFL with 17 rushing TDs last year.
— Tyler Dunne (@TyDunne) March 11, 2023
However, according to Tyler Dunne of Go Long, there are currently four teams prepared to make a run for Williams once free agency opens. The New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals are the four teams Dunne named as interested suitors. Williams could certainly end up with any team, but what fit makes the most sense?
2023 NFL Free Agency: Jamaal Williams Edition
The first team that is interested in Jamaal Williams is the franchise he just played for, the Detroit Lions. D’Andre Swift spent the season injured on and off for the Lions. When he did get to play, Swift was largely ineffective and Williams was given the majority of carries this season. Everything started to click for the Lions and second year head coach Dan Campbell last season down the stretch. Bringing back Williams could be a step in the right direction for the Lions, who want to compete this year.
Another team interested is the New York Jets who will be awaiting a return from Breece Hall at some point in the year. Hall’s timetable is not completely known and the Jets backup running backs add to the uncertainty. Michael Carter, Ty Johnson, and Zonovan Knight attempted to replicate Hall’s numbers down the stretch and struggled to do so. Jamaal Williams would add a steady veteran presence to a young team in need of more consistency.
The Buffalo Bills are also a team interested in Jamaal Williams as they sit in a position similar to the Jets. The Bills have drafted running backs the last three years and traded for Nyheim Hines as well. Despite their moves, the Bills have struggled to find any consistency with their running game. Signing a veteran running back like Williams could provide a more stable and reliable run game for the Bills.
The Cincinnati Bengals are perhaps in the weirdest position among teams interested in Williams. Joe Mixon, following his recent run in with the law, represents a potential cap casualty for the Bengals. The Bengals are not far removed from their historic playoff run and the team feels close to reaching their goal. Keeping receivers like Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd could lead to signing cheaper options at different positions. Jamaal Williams should be the best cheap option at running back.
For more:
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content and @JarrettGuerrera on Twitter. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Check out 97.3 The Game on iHeart Radio!
