We’re rapidly approaching the NFL roster cuts deadline on Aug. 27, and some trades are expected around the league as teams work to get the jump on the waiver wire. The New Orleans Saints are typically buyers at these deadlines, but could they be sellers instead?
If so, Jamaal Williams might be a trade candidate to watch. For The Win’s Cory Woodruff made the case for other teams to check in on the veteran running back ahead of next week’s NFL trade deadline:
The New Orleans Saints are very unlikely to trade running back Alvin Kamara with so much riding on this season with coach Dennis Allen and quarterback Derek Carr. However, it’s very possible the team could consider freeing up a little cap space (almost $4 million) and adding a draft pick for Williams, who didn’t fit in with New Orleans last season quite like he did with the Detroit Lions in 2022 (1,066 yards, 17 touchdowns). Only 29, Williams could help a contending team in the red zone while the Saints could give 2023 third-round pick Kendre Miller a bigger role in the offense.
Possible team fits Woodroof mentioned included the Las Vegas Raiders, Arizona Cardinals, and Minnesota Vikings.
But Williams may have taken himself off the trade block with a strong game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night. He totaled 32 rushing yards on five carries, and even if you take out his longest run (a 15-yard gain) he still averaged more than four yards per attempt.
And when you look more closely at the running backs depth chart, it may not make sense to move Williams. Kendre Miller suffered a hamstring injury on the first day of training camp that prevented him from ever returning to the practice field before the Saints returned to New Orleans from Irvine. Alvin Kamara was sidelined for a few days last week after experiencing some back tightness, which he’s reported before. Jordan Mims and James Robinson have had some nice moments this summer but as a whole the running backs haven’t shown a ton of playmaking ability.
Is moving Williams worth a late-round draft pick and $3.85 million in cap space? That might be a question the Saints need to ask themselves, but unless Miller returns to health quickly it’s tough to see Williams being moved. But never say never. His hard running on Sunday night may have caught some wandering eyes.
