New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams had a rough first go in the Big Easy, and one report indicates that the team could cut him ahead of the 2024 season. After scoring a league-leading 17 touchdowns with the Detroit Lions in 2022, the running back cashed in with a sizable three-year, $12 million deal to take over the departed Mark Ingram role. This didn’t go according to plan, as Williams averaged a paltry 2.9 yards per carry behind the Saints subpar offensive line and only scored one touchdown. With the offensive line looking even worse in 2024, John Sigler of SaintsWire believes New Orleans could part ways with the veteran.
As per usual, the Saints are well over the projected salary cap for the 2025 season. Sigler notes that a Jamaal Williams cut would not help the team’s financial situation in the short term, but it would clear up $3.15 million next year. If Kendre Miller can stay healthy and prove to be the better running back (an admittedly big ‘if’), Williams’ time in New Orleans could come to a close. However, that probably won’t spell the end of his NFL career, as the Dallas Cowboys and Baltimore Ravens could use a player like him.
Saints Could Cut Jamaal Williams, Could Land With Cowboys, Ravens
Jerry Jones continues to insist the Dallas Cowboys are all-in on the 2024 season, but actions speak louder than words. The team did next to nothing in free agency, has yet to extend any of their homegrown stars, and doesn’t have an answer at running back. Ezekiel Elliott will likely be the primary back, but the one-time superstar is a shell of his former self. Now entering his age-29 season, Elliott lacks the burst, acceleration, and overall explosiveness that made him one of the most dangerous backs in football all those years ago.
Jamaal Williams also lacks these qualities, but the cut candidate can still be a part of this backfield. Elliott’s body can’t handle another 300-carry season, especially if he wants to maintain his remaining athletic abilities. At 6′-0″ and 224 pounds, Williams could be the ideal backup who can take over in short-yardage situations and absorb those hard, physical runs. Last year proved Williams can’t overcome subpar blocking by himself, but he should succeed behind the Cowboys solid offensive line.
Derrick Henry’s Backup
The cash-strapped Baltimore Ravens lost several key veterans in free agency, but they made sure to set some cash aside for star running back Derrick Henry. A perennial outlier, the former second-round pick singlehandedly powered Tennessee’s offensive behind a dreadful offensive line and should thrive with Baltimore’s blocking and Lamar Jackson’s mobility. However, he’s only one person and cannot take every single carry. With Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins in Los Angeles, the Ravens could target Jamaal Williams if the Saints cut him.
Jamaal Williams is nowhere near as good as Derrick Henry, but the two have a similar physical style of play. The same cannot be said for the injured Keaton Mitchell, as the former undrafted free agent is more of the lightning to Henry’s thunder. Williams could sub in whenever Henry needs to take off a series or two without drastically impacting Baltimore’s offense. While the current Saint shouldn’t be a starter, he’s a good fit for a backup role on what should be a run-heavy offense.
Main Photo: Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
