ESPN: Lions RB loses another chance in sad manner.

After a lackluster 2024 season, former Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams nearly missed another opportunity to join the 2025 roster.

Even though the Detroit Lions are concentrating on assembling the greatest squad possible for the 2025 NFL season, it’s important to keep in mind how the team has changed its reputation since head coach Dan Campbell took over.

The Lions evolved from being the NFC’s Cleveland Browns to a consistent powerhouse in a matter of years. Beloved former running back Jamaal Williams had a lot to do with that turnaround, playing two good years in Detroit as the Lions prepped for what would become possibly the league’s best offensive.

Sadly, Williams, who finished the 2024 season with the New Orleans Saints, is still a free agent despite leading the NFL in running touchdowns (17) in 2022. Williams has a little chance of making the team next season based on the most recent running back signing rumors.

The Steelers signed RB Former Lions star Jamaal Williams’ FA prospects are harmed by Trey Sermon.
Trey Sermon, a failed third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers, has signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Williams is a more accomplished player than Sermon, who has only amassed 505 career running yards.

But Williams is already 30 years old, which is usually when halfbacks start to deteriorate quickly. Because of his tendency to assault in the red zone as a goal-line back, he has only averaged 3.9 yards per carry during his career, despite being a bruiser. The body has to work harder for that. That’s a lot of hits—he has more than 1,000 carries for more than 4,500 yards and 32 touchdowns.

Williams is, by all accounts, beloved in every locker room he comes into and is a wonderful leader. Nevertheless, in 2023 and 2024, he averaged 2.9 and 3.4 yards per rush for the Saints, respectively. Even if everyone likes you, that doesn’t really give you much confidence.

Williams would be a fantastic match if he were to join a club that frequently finds itself in scoring position, such as the Buffalo Bills or Philadelphia Eagles. He still has a shot to make a team, but the likelihood of it happening gets smaller every day.