Former Lions RB Jamaal Williams cut from New Orleans Saints

The formerly beloved Detroit Lions RB Jamaal Williams has been released after just two years with the Saints.

Late on Tuesday, the New Orleans Saints announced they’ve released veteran running back Jamaal Williams after two seasons with the team. Williams was set to make a $3.15 million salary and cost $4.63 million against the cap. With the move, the Saints will take on $2.34 million in dead cap, but free up $1.59 million.

Back in 2023, the Detroit Lions and Williams were working on a new contract that would keep him in Detroit. However, negotiations broke down and the Lions pivoted their focus to David Montgomery. Williams would sign a three-year, $12 million deal ($8.15 million guaranteed) with the Saints, while the Lions would sign Montgomery to a three-year, $18 million deal ($11 million guaranteed).

The difference in each players’ performance over the next two years was staggering.

Jamaal Williams (‘23-24): 154 carries, 470 yards (3.1 YPC), 2 TDs; 27 catches, 119 yards
David Montgomery (‘23-24): 404 carries, 1,790 yards (4.1 YPC), 25 TDs; 52 catches, 458 yards

As a result, Montgomery received a two-year extension in the middle of the 2024 season that added another $18.25 million in total value and $10.5 million in guaranteed money to his contract.

Obviously, the production of each back was highly influenced by the people around them (ie: Detroit’s elite offensive line vs. the Saints’ struggling front), but this is also an example of a savvy move from Lions general manager Brad Holmes. He held a firm line with Williams, and when an agreement couldn’t be made, he didn’t flinch and managed to upgrade the position at only a slightly bigger cost.

Because Williams was released—as opposed to his contract expiring—he is available to sign wherever he wants immediately.