The Top 3 Free Agent Destinations for Former BYU Running Back Jamaal Williams
As Jamaal Williams enters his ninth NFL season, he does so as a free agent. These three teams offer the best opportunities for him to secure a significant role in 2025.
Jamaal Williams is regarded as one of BYU’s finest running backs and has enjoyed a solid eight-year NFL career. After two mostly unremarkable seasons with the New Orleans Saints, the team decided to release the former BYU standout. Despite these two down years, Williams is only two seasons removed from a 1,066-yard campaign with the Detroit Lions, where he led the NFL with 17 touchdowns.
Now entering his 30s, Williams must choose his next team carefully, as most NFL teams favor younger running backs. Here are three ideal landing spots for the former BYU star as free agency kicks off on March 12th:
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are familiar with Jamaal Williams, having faced him twice a year during his two productive seasons with the Detroit Lions, a divisional rival. As of now, the Vikings have only one running back under contract, Ty Chandler, who has recorded 663 career rushing yards since being drafted in 2022. He’s unlikely to be a game-changer.
The Vikings are coming off a strong 14-3 record in the highly competitive NFC North. This team has playoff aspirations for 2025 and might turn to affordable, experienced players like Jamaal Williams to help strengthen their roster.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have only two running backs under contract for 2025: Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis. Vaughn has accumulated 110 career rushing yards over two seasons, while Davis has 161 career rushing yards and hasn’t seen action since 2022. Both are smaller backs who lack the physicality to handle short-yardage situations, something a 224-pound Jamaal Williams excels at.
Dallas is likely feeling pressure to keep pace with their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. The Cowboys may look to add a seasoned veteran like Jamaal Williams to handle crucial short-yardage situations, rather than relying on younger, less experienced players.
Cleveland Browns
After a disappointing 3-14 season, the Browns hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 draft. Some mock drafts suggest they may select either quarterback Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders. If they choose a quarterback, it’s critical they surround him with experienced veterans who can offer guidance both on and off the field.
Jamaal Williams could serve as a valuable one-year addition for the Browns. While third-year running back Jerome Ford has shown promise with over 1,300 yards and seven touchdowns in the last two seasons, the team lacks depth behind him. Jamaal could provide crucial relief for Ford and contribute with his tough running between the tackles, in addition to offering veteran pass protection to help a young quarterback.
