The chances to get signed by a new team ahead of Week 1 of the regular season are starting to dwindle for several veteran free agents.
Teams like the Detroit Lions are one of the more active teams over the last few weeks regarding roster moves, thanks to the numerous preseason injuries. The Lions most recently added more running back depth, signing veteran Deon Jackson, who has some NFL experience after playing in the UFL a couple of months ago.
However, before they signed Jackson, the Lions could’ve decided to bring back a fan favorite in Jamaal Williams, who is still one of those vet free agents waiting for an opportunity. But Detroit has decided to take its chances on UFL guys like Jackson and Jacob Saylors.
As for the ex-Lions running back, he’s received a couple of workout opportunities over the past week, but surprisingly hasn’t been signed. Therefore, one does wonder if Williams will be on a roster this season.
#Dolphins signed Mike Boone, also worked out Royce Freeman, Aaron Shampklin, Jamaal Williams
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 12, 2025
Former Lions RB Jamaal Williams Still Waiting to be Signed Weeks Before Week 1
On Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of KRPC-2 reported that the Miami Dolphins worked out Williams among a big group of free agent running backs. However, the Dolphins ultimately signed vet Mike Boone, who is replacing Alexander Mattison. The latter reportedly underwent season-ending neck surgery after getting injured in Miami’s preseason opener.
On paper, Williams looked like he could be a logical replacement for Mattison, especially given the other RBs on the Dolphins’ roster. However, it’s another missed opportunity for the veteran RB, who was cut earlier this offseason by the New Orleans Saints.
Before getting this workout with the Dolphins, the ex-Lion received a workout from the Chicago Bears last weekend, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. But Williams didn’t get signed, as the Bears picked up free agent Brittain Brown.
Former Lions running back Jamaal Williams worked out today for the Chicago Bears.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 9, 2025
Williams isn’t the most athletic or explosive running back at this stage of his career. He’s mostly useful in short yardage or goal-line situations. Last season with the Saints, he averaged 3.4 yards per carry and got a career-low 48 carries.
In his first year with the Saints in 2023, Williams received more carries (106) but only recorded 306 yards on the ground for a 2.9 YPC average. The 30-year-old has struggled to come close to what he did with Detroit in 2022, where he had a career-high 1,066 rushing yards and 17 TDs.
Again, he wasn’t the most explosive running back, but the Lions found a way to utilize his skills, and Williams became a touchdown magnet. Williams likely won’t get back to his 2022 level, as that season seems to be an anomaly.
That said, Lions fans are hoping this beloved player can get on a roster soon, as it doesn’t get easier to find a job when the season begins.