NFL free agency has officially begun. After spending the last two seasons with the Detroit Lions, running back Jamaal Williams is now once again a free agent. Returning to the Lions is certainly on the table, but are they the best fit for Williams?
Jamaal Williams Free Agency Best Fits
Each free agent class is different, having its own strengths and weaknesses. This year’s running back class was initially loaded with guys like Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, and Saquon Barkley set to hit the market. Unsurprisingly, each of their respective teams franchise-tagged them.
Removing those three from the equation raises Williams’ status as a more coveted free agent.
Williams entered free agency as the fifth-highest-ranked running back in our Top 100 NFL Free Agents list. Now, he’s up to second.
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It’s difficult to assess what the market will be for Williams. He’s certainly one of the most well-liked players across the entire NFL. That positive locker-room presence goes a long way.
But in terms of ability to contribute, Williams is a two-down grinder. As fun as he is, and as much as I love to root for him, his skill set is very replaceable.
With that said, the NFL doesn’t view players purely based on statistical production. Also, Williams did just lead the league with 17 rushing touchdowns. He also ran for over 1,000 yards. By no means am I suggesting Williams is a bad player. It’s more that NFL teams can get his production without having to pay for the name.
Regardless, Williams is a useful running back. He’s going to get a job on a team that is willing to put him in a committee and hand him a relevant role. So, what teams are the best fit for Williams to sign with in free agency?
Williams Would Love To Return to the Lions
As one of the most beloved members of a team that largely exceeded expectations last season, a return to the Lions remains very much in the cards.
In an interview at Radio Row, Williams said, “I really just want to stay with Detroit, if I can. Really just stay here and make my mark here. I really want to finish here if I could.”
Williams added, “I understand it’s a business, and the team has to do what’s best for them, and I have to do what’s best for me, too, but I just really want us to come to a mutual agreement, and just get it done and just get back to playing football.”
Williams didn’t leave much open to interpretation here. As long as the money is reasonable, he would choose the Lions.
MORE: 2023 Free Agency Tracker
It makes sense. The Lions treated Williams as their lead back last season, ahead of D’Andre Swift. Additionally, concerns about Swift’s ability to stay healthy appear real.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, “We feel like if we set this up right and there’s any space, this guy could take it to the house. He’s got that ability. My gosh, you want those guys out there every play. I would like to see if, man, can we get him out of camp, get his legs under him, get him in really good shape, get the intensity, get the volume under him, and then see what he looks like.”
Fantasy football managers want Swift to be a three-down back. The Lions want Swift to be healthy. It appears they view those things as mutually exclusive.
Last season, the Lions were able to keep Swift on the field by leaning on Williams for 15.4 carries per game. At 28 years old, returning to Detroit on another two-year deal makes all the sense in the world. I would be surprised if Williams landed somewhere else.
Williams Could Chase a Title With the Eagles
It’s no secret that the Eagles have little interest in bringing back Miles Sanders. Reportedly, head coach Nick Sirianni is not necessarily a committee guy. He’s willing to use one running back as much as possible. He just didn’t do that with Sanders because Sanders isn’t good enough.
The thing is, it’s not easy to find three-down backs. They are a dying breed. Assuming the Eagles don’t do something brash like draft Bijan Robinson, they once again need to craft a viable committee.
Williams is arguably more reliable than Sanders as an early-down runner. Whereas Sanders is always looking for the splash play, Williams will just take what’s blocked and run forward. He would be a nice fit with Kenneth Gainwell as the passing-down back.
With the second-most salary cap space available, the Eagles could easily afford to pay Williams what would likely be a two-year deal.
The Panthers Have a Need for Williams
With about $18 million left to spend, the Panthers could potentially entice Williams with both money and role.
The Panthers are still looking for their next RB1 after Christian McCaffrey. D’Onta Foreman filled that role last season, but he’s a free agent as well.
They could draft a running back, but this team is in full rebuild mode. They just traded away their WR1, DJ Moore, and are perilously thin at the skill positions. In fact, they have the weakest group of skill-position players in the NFL right now.
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If Williams prioritizes usage, Carolina could be the best fit, as they can make him a 270-carry back.
At this point, the Panthers know 2023 is a rebuilding year. They just need to put capable bodies on the field.
While the Lions are the overwhelming favorite to land Williams, the Panthers may very well be the best fit.