Jamaal Williams, once a fan favorite in Detroit, has been released by the New Orleans Saints, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 8-year NFL veteran, who was set to earn $3.2 million for the 2025 season, leaves New Orleans after a two-year stint in which his performance notably declined. During his time with the Saints, Williams posted career lows, rushing for 470 yards on 3.1 yards per carry, and scored two touchdowns over 27 games, including five starts.
Williams’ departure from New Orleans signals the end of a challenging chapter for the running back. His time with the Saints was a far cry from his previous years with the Detroit Lions, where he became a key part of the team’s backfield alongside D’Andre Swift. His years in Detroit solidified his status as a beloved figure among Lions fans, thanks in large part to his charismatic personality and emotional leadership.
The running back’s deep connection with the Detroit fanbase was highlighted during his time on HBO’s Hard Knocks in 2022, where his impassioned post-practice speeches captured the attention of fans. His raw, emotional demeanor and leadership on the field made him a standout in the locker room. Following the Lions’ season finale victory over the Green Bay Packers that year, Williams delivered a memorable speech, telling the Sunday Night Football crew, “Don’t let these tears fool you. It’s all dog around this mug,” further cementing his popularity with fans.
While his time with the Saints did not bring the same level of success, Williams’ leadership and energy continue to be recognized as integral parts of his game. His personality and work ethic have made him a respected figure in the league, even if his production on the field wasn’t as high as in previous seasons.
With Williams’ release, his future in the NFL is now uncertain. As a veteran with a wealth of experience and strong leadership qualities, he will likely garner attention from teams in need of a veteran presence in their backfield. Whether he continues his career as a contributor on another roster or takes on a different role remains to be seen.
No matter where Williams lands next, his time in Detroit and his emotional connection to the fanbase will always remain a major highlight of his career. His ability to inspire and connect with those around him has left a lasting impact, and he will undoubtedly be remembered fondly by Lions fans for his time with the team.
In 2022, Jamaal Williams had a standout season, rushing for a career-high 1,006 yards on 206 carries, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt. He also set a franchise record with 17 rushing touchdowns, cementing his place as a key player in the Detroit Lions’ backfield. Following this impressive season, the Lions expressed interest in re-signing Williams, recognizing his value after he significantly outperformed the two-year, $6.1 million contract he had signed in 2021.
However, despite the mutual interest, the two sides were unable to agree on terms, leading Williams to sign a three-year, $12 million contract with the New Orleans Saints in 2023. The Lions, feeling the sting of losing a key player, quickly pivoted by signing David Montgomery to a more lucrative three-year, $18 million deal, a move that has proven to be a significant upgrade at the running back position for Detroit.
Williams wasn’t shy about his disappointment with how the contract negotiations went down in Detroit. He publicly expressed that the offer he received from the Lions was “disrespectful,” which made it clear that his departure was far from amicable. Despite the frustration over the contract situation, Williams made sure to express his ongoing love for the city of Detroit and the organization.
“It’s all love (for Detroit),” Williams said when asked about his time with the Lions after joining the Saints. “Like, I know my teammates, everybody there at the Detroit Lions got love for me and all that. But at the same time, we couldn’t come to terms, and — it’s just funny, that’s all.” His words reflected a sense of fondness for the team and the city, even though his departure was marked by unresolved contractual disagreements.
Before his successful stint with the Lions and Saints, Williams spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with one of the Lions’ division rivals, the Green Bay Packers. The Packers drafted him in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of BYU, where he was known for his toughness and determination. His time with the Packers was instrumental in shaping his career, though he eventually found his most success and fan-favorite status in Detroit.
Williams’ journey through the NFL has seen him evolve from a reliable back to a beloved leader on and off the field. Though his time with the Saints didn’t match the highs of his previous seasons, his passion for the game and his leadership continue to make him a respected figure. As he moves forward, Williams’ legacy in Detroit will always be remembered for his record-setting performances and his emotional connection with the fanbase.
