The Saints entered Tuesday more than $47MM over the cap; they have barely a week to move into the black. In what will be a small part of this equation, the team is cutting Jamaal Williams, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets.
Leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 2022, Williams was unable to make an impact in New Orleans. The Saints had signed the ex-Packers and Lions RB to a three-year, $12MM deal in 2023. This move will clear nearly $2MM off the Saints’ cap sheet.
Williams, 30 in April, was set to make $3.15MM in base salary next season. With the Saints using the oft-injured Kendre Miller as their top Alvin Kamara backup and having re-signed Clyde Edwards-Helaire this offseason, Williams was an obvious cap casualty. Though the Saints still have tremendous work to do to move under the cap by 3pm CT March 12, they have completed more arduous journeys before.
A spirited figure on Hard Knocks during the Lions’ 2021 summer HBO effort, Williams anchored Detroit’s rushing attack while on his second contract. Although D’Andre Swift had shown elusiveness on his rookie deal, the Lions gave Williams 262 carries during the 2022 season. He turned those into 1,066 yards and an NFL-high 17 rushing TDs. This gave him a springboard into free agency, though it came during a rough year for running backs.
The Lions attempted to re-sign Williams, but he turned down their offer. The terms of Detroit’s proposal were likely similar to David Montgomery‘s three-year, $18MM pact. Williams found less in terms of AAV in New Orleans but did see $8.15MM guaranteed at signing. He had played out a two-year, $6MM Lions deal. Williams has done well to score two modest RB contracts despite spending his career in committees, but he was unable to contribute much to the Saints’ cause.
The ex-Green Bay draftee gained just 304 rushing yards in 2023, despite making four starts in place of Kamara — who was suspended for three games that season. In 2024, that yardage number dropped to 164. Although a Week 18 Williams TD in 2023 — on a rogue play call via Jameis Winston — became a memorable part of the Saints-Falcons rivalry, Williams did not eclipse 3.5 yards per carry during his two New Orleans years.
And to think the Lions almost re-signed Williams before the 2023 season instead of signing David Montgomery. Good thing Williams wanted too much $$$ and he turned the Lions down…what a bullet dodged and shows you greed is not always good in the NFL!!!
Or it’s smart that he sought out the most money he could on what could have been his last contract with any guaranteed.
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Does anybody know what the penalty is for NOT being cap-compliant? I don’t remember it ever happening, so the penalties must be severe.
Fines up to 5 million, cancelling of contracts and loss of draft picks. It’s all on google.
I’m sure the Bears will come calling.lol