Although we’re extremely eager to see the Detroit Lions back on the field, we still have 31 days before they play their first regular season game. The Lions have been stacking days at camp, trying to improve upon their embarrassing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
One position that the Lions don’t need any improvement on is their running backs, with this group being their best by far. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have been extremely crucial to the Lions’ success and will be relied upon heavily to carry the offense.
It’s crazy to think about life before both Gibbs and Montgomery came to Detroit, and how different the running back group was viewed. This former Lion running back, who was critical to their success just three years ago, surprisingly remains unemployed as the rest of the league plays their first preseason game.
Jamaal Williams Still Can't Find a Job in 2025
Jamaal Williams remains a free agent after being released by the New Orleans Saints in March. In two seasons with the Saints, Williams posted 470 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 27 games.
Williams was projected to be the red-zone back and the backup to Alvin Kamara, but ended up not being utilized. Although Williams didn’t put up numbers for the Saints, it’s still shocking he remains unsigned after his tenure with the Lions.
When Williams left the Green Bay Packers for the Detroit Lions in 2021, no one expected him to become a beloved and impactful player. In two seasons with the Lions, Williams quickly became a fan favorite for his leadership and fun personality.
"Last year wasn't it…we can make it!"
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) August 8, 2022
This emotional speech from Jamaal Williams 🔥
#HardKnocks | @jswaggdaddy pic.twitter.com/UriWfAogmM
He was the definition of a Dan Campbell player and helped lay the foundation of bringing toughness and grit back to Detroit. His emotional speech during HardKnocks earned praise throughout NFL media and showcased the team’s mentality under the new regime.
This would carry into the season, where Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and broke Barry Sanders' record for the most rushing touchdowns with 17. William’s contributions helped the Lions finish with a winning record for the first time since 2017.
After the season ended, Williams ended up leaving for the Saints. While it was unfortunate to see such a meaningful player depart, the Lions would end up adding Gibbs and Montgomery to form the best running back duo in the league.
If any Lions running back were to get injured, there is no doubt the team should sign Williams. No matter what, Lions fans will never forget Williams and what he did to help bring winning football back to Detroit.