Running back Jamal Williams had something to say to his former team, the Detroit Lions, who apparently gave him a low-ball showing this season.
Jamal Williams has the booty you can’t deny. The former Detroit Lions and “First Swagg Kazekage” was known for his infectious personality and wild touchdown celebrations last season (two pumps, max) with many fans hoping he’ll return in 2023.
Instead, Williams signed with the New Orleans Saints, forming a dangerous punch with Alvin Kamara in the running back room.
What went wrong during Williams’ offseason negotiations with Detroit? It comes to the question of how much the Lions value Williams, and in Williams’ view, that wasn’t enough.
On Friday’s press, Williams told reporters that he considered the Lions’ offer “disrespectful” and felt the team wanted to move away from him this off-season.
Saints R. said. B. Jamaal Williams said he felt the Lions were ready to abandon him and considered their offer “disrespectful”. He said he’s eager to prove himself as it seems a lot of people have an idea of what kind of RB he is.
— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) March 17, 2023
Peep little Pikachu’s hat. This is just a glimpse into the kind of sassy, mean-spirited players Saints fans get.
Jamal Williams didn’t feel appreciated in Detroit and got his bag elsewhere
Earlier this week, Williams signed with the Saints to a three-year, $12 million deal. He secured his briefcase after putting up a league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022 and was considered a crucial thorn in the Lions’ offense — until he wasn’t.
With D’Andre Swift recovering to full health, Williams’ place on the roster became more and more tenuous as contract negotiations dragged on. Detroit leaned heavily on Williams when Swift missed parts of the season with an injury, but they knew from the Cowboys’ standpoint how expensive it was to keep two talented roster running backs.
Overpriced for his stay in Detroit, Williams found a very willing suitor in the Saints, who stumbled into one of the franchise’s least efficient rushing averages in 2022.
Next season, Alvin Kamara will still be the No. 1 ball carrier, but given his age and injury history, Nola needed a dependable rotation to carry some of Kamara’s workload.
Williams, in terms of his first encounter with the Saints, appears to be more than happy to be in New Orleans for the next three years.
Detroit just signed David Montgomery from the Chicago Bears to a three-year, $18 million deal that could be a slap in the face for Williams; Given Williams’ character, though, it didn’t seem like that would guide the guy.
Williams will continue to do his own thing — ceremonial hip thrusts, references to Naruto, and everything else involved.
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