While the Detroit Lions are focused on fielding the best possible team for the 2025 NFL season, it's still worth remembering how the organization has transformed its image since head coach Dan Campbell took over.
In just a handful of years, the Lions went from being the Cleveland Browns of the NFC to a perennial powerhouse. Beloved former running back Jamaal Williams had a lot to do with that turnaround, spending two excellent years in Detroit as the Lions prepared for what would become perhaps the league's best offense.
Unfortunately for Williams, who led the NFL in rushing TDs (17) in 2022, he's still a free agent after spending the 2024 campaign with the New Orleans Saints. Based on the lastet running back signing news, Williams' chances at making a roster next year are dwindling.
Sources: The #Steelers are signing RB Trey Sermon to a 1-year deal.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 11, 2025
Sermon spent the past two seasons with the #Colts, totaling 258 yards and 2 TDs last year. pic.twitter.com/p5i3Nsw6HA
Steelers Signing of RB Trey Sermon Hurts Former Lions Stud Jamaal Williams' FA Chances
According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed failed former San Francisco 49ers third-rounder Trey Sermon to a one-year deal. Sermon, who has just 505 career rushing yards, is not a more accomplished player than Williams.
However, Williams is now 30 years old, typically the point at which halfbacks decline rapidly. He's a bruiser, having averaged just 3.9 yards per carry in his career, largely due to his propensity to attack in the red zone as a goal-line back. That puts extra mileage on the body. With over 1,000 carries under his belt for over 4,500 yards and 32 TDs, that's a lot of hits.
Williams is, by all accounts, beloved in every locker room he steps into and is a great leader. Even still, he averaged 2.9 yards per carry for the Saints in 2023 and 3.4 in 2024. That hardly inspires much confidence, no matter how much everyone likes you.
Should Williams land on a team that routinely finds itself in scoring position, like the Philadelphia Eagles or Buffalo Bills, for example, he'd be a perfect fit. There's still a chance for him to land on a roster, but with each passing day, it becomes less likely.