On Wednesday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press dropped an article revealing that former Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams is attempting to a comeback in the NFL after being out of the league in 2025. Williams told Birkett that he called up Lions coach Dan Campbell about a possible reunion with the team, but Campbell said they were sticking with the running backs they currently have at the moment.
Those running backs are Jahmyr Gibbs, Sione Vaki, and Jacob Saylors—with Jabari Small on the
practice squad. While true the Lions are down their initial backup running back in Isiah Pacheco, who is out until December with a back injury, Detroit has adjusted to that injury by increasing Gibbs’ overall role and using Vaki as the next man up. It may not have the flash of Sonic and Knuckles, but Gibbs has been effective and Vaki is growing into his role.
But Williams was undeniably an important piece of the offense in 2021 and 2022. Besides being a vocal leader and an entertaining personality, he was also a short-yardage and touchdown machine. In 2022, he set the franchise record with 17 rushing touchdowns in a season while also accumulating 1,000 yards rushing.
However, his career grinded to a halt when he left Detroit. He managed just 306 rushing yards and one touchdown with the Saints in 2023 (at just 2.9 YPC), then followed it up with 164 rushing yards in 2024. After a year away from the NFL, how much is left in the 31-year-old back?
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Do you want the Lions to sign Jamaal Williams?
My answer: The heart and the reporter side of me says emphatically yes. Williams was a character and a joy to chop it up with in the locker room. His addition would also make a very good story, and he’d be an endless fountain of good quotes. In short, he’d be good for business.
But as a football analyst, it’s hard for me to make a logical case here. While I’d like a more even split between Gibbs and the RB2 to ensure we’re still getting the best version of Gibbs in December and January… and in 2029, they have Vaki and Saylors for a reason. They still believe in Vaki as a potential offensive weapon, but he needs the reps and learning experiences. I thought he already made a nice jump from a rough Week 1 to a fairly solid Week 2.
The Lions rostered Vaki and Saylor not just for their special teams acumen, but because they believe in them as depth pieces behind Pacheco. As soon as Pacheco goes down, that doesn’t mean they have to completely change course. Trust your depth, and if they struggle or suffer another injury, then we can have a discussion about Williams. But, for now, I don’t really see a reason for adding a player who hasn’t been productive in the NFL since 2022—regardless of much I may admire him as a person.
What are your thoughts? Vote in the poll below and share your further thoughts in the comment section.
