Is Jamaal Williams A Good Fit With The Saints? Fantasy Football Outlook

Former Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams signed with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday. The former BYU star was a fourth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2017.

Williams spent four years in Green Bay before signing with the division rivals during the 2021 offseason. Over the four years with the Packers, the veteran running back had a limited role. He had 500 rushing attempts for 1,985 yards and 10 touchdowns in 60 games. More importantly, Williams averaged only 7.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game during his time in Green Bay.

Meanwhile, the former BYU star had a solid first year with the Lions in 2021. Williams had 153 rushing attempts for 601 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The 601 rushing yards were a career-high at that time. However, the veteran had a historic 2022 season.

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What Did Jamaal Williams Accomplish In 2022?

Last year the former BYU star was a fantasy goldmine. Williams wasn’t drafted in most leagues but was a popular waiver wire pickup after Week 1. The veteran running back ended the 2022 season with 262 rushing attempts for 1,066 yards and 17 touchdowns, all career highs. Furthermore, he led the NFL in rushing touchdowns while breaking the franchise record previously held by Barry Sanders.

More importantly, Williams was the RB8 last year, averaging 12.9 fantasy points per game. Furthermore, the former BYU star had only 13 career rushing touchdowns before totaling 17 in 2022.

Is Jamaal Williams A Good Fit With The Saints?

Many thought Williams would be back with Detroit this offseason, as both sides wanted to get a deal done. Unfortunately, the two sides couldn’t get a deal done, and Williams quickly signed with the Saints on Wednesday. The veteran running back signed a three-year contract worth $12 million, with $5 million in the first year.

Some will hate the landing spot because of Alvin Kamara. However, it’s an excellent landing spot for Williams. Kamara is facing a lengthy suspension from an off-the-field incident in February 2022. Meanwhile, the star running back had a career-low two rushing touchdowns last season. Furthermore, he has only six rushing touchdowns over the past two years.

Last year Taysom Hill led the team with seven rushing touchdowns, as the gadget player earned touches near the goal line. However, that role should become Williams’ this year. If Kamara missed significant time with a suspension, Williams could have another top-12 finish in 2023.

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