The Detroit Lions met with the agent representation for running back Jamaal Williams this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. The Lions are hoping to lock up Williams to a new contract before the team’s top rusher hits free agency in a few days.
Both Williams and the Lions have indicated they would like to stay together for at least another season, but it sounds like Williams will wait to test the open market first. Per Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, Williams will draw some interest from the Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers and perhaps other teams as well.
Williams hit the 1,000-yard rushing mark in 2022 and led the league with 17 touchdowns. He’s been the Lions’ top back in each of his seasons in Detroit.
Projecting Williams’ next contract, be it with Detroit or elsewhere, is tricky. He turns 28 shortly, an age when running backs typically have passed their peak years. It’s a strong year of supply at RB in both free agency and the NFL draft, which could deflate Williams’ value. Spotrac estimates Williams’ value at just over $4 million per season.
