Detroit Lions: Does Jamaal Williams hurt D’Andre Swift’s fantasy value?

With the addition of former Green Bay Packers running back Jamaal Williams to the Detroit Lions roster, a serious question has emerged: What will be the impact on D’Andre Swift‘s fantasy football value headed into the 2021 season?

Williams, who played four seasons in Green Bay, signed with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday afternoon this week. The deal was reportedly worth $7.5 million over two years, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero as reported by the NFL on Twitter.

For the most part, the signing received an overall positive endorsement from Lions fans. Williams was a skillful running back while playing for the division-rival Packers, often serving as the team’s back up and/or change-of-pace back during his first three seasons in eastern Wisconsin.

By the mid-way point of 2020, however, it became clear that not only was he playing behind starter Aaron Jones, but he was now also following Boston College rookie A.J. Dillon as well.

The Detroit Lions opted to bring in Jamaal Williams leaving fantasy football owners of D’Andre Swift unhappy.

Moving to the Motor City gives Williams the opportunity to continue to showcase his talent and prove he is still a serviceable ball carrier in the NFL. It also provides the Lions with needed running back depth, considering veteran Adrian Peterson is expected to sign with a new team in free agency this offseason.

While the city of Detroit was generally happy with the new addition, the fantasy football owners of Swift were — let’s just say, not thrilled.

The immediate assumption is that Williams will join the team and steal touches from the former Georgia Bulldog. Maybe he will? The real question is how many touches could he take, and what type of impact will it have on Swift’s fantasy football value next year?

Let’s look for an answer.

In fantasy, there are two important factors to consider when asking yourself that question.

1. Talent level
2. Opportunity

First up, let’s take a look at the talent level of each of these running backs.