The New Orleans Saints released veteran Running Back Jamaal Williams on Tuesday evening. He came over to the team following the best season of his career in 2022 with the Detroit Lions. He led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns that season.
Williams parlayed his strong 2022 campaign into a three-year $12 million contract with the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, his career never took off in New Orleans. He finished with 470 rushing yards and 2 rushing touchdowns during his tenure with the Saints. Even though he had one year left on his contract, Williams had no guaranteed money remaining. The veteran running back was slated to make $3.15 million in 2025. New Orleans saved $1.59 million against the cap by parting ways with Williams. Where will the veteran back play next season?
New Orleans Saints Offseason Outlook
Saints released veteran RB Jamaal Williams. pic.twitter.com/zglEi8Q8zL
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025
The Saints are in a miserable cap situation, and Williams was a casualty of that. New Orleans is already $56 million over the 2025 cap. It will be a new day in New Orleans as they hired Kellen Moore as their head coach following his great stint as the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator.
With Williams out of the fold, New Orleans will need better production from Running Back Alvin Kamara next season. He was limited to 14 games last season and is still looking for his first season with 1,000 rushing yards. New Orleans must also decide what to do with Quarterback Derek Carr this offseason.
Final Thoughts
The New Orleans Saints parting ways with Williams could be the first of many veteran players the team is forced to release this offseason. They are in a difficult salary cap situation, and that bill has come due for the franchise. After trying to compete for a Super Bowl in recent years, they have fallen short and are forced to undergo a course correction this offseason.
