Free agent running back Jamaal Williams has been drawing interest recently. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Miami Dolphins worked out Williams on Monday. This comes after Dolphins running back Alexander Mattison suffered a season-ending neck injury in Sunday’s preseason game. He had surgery and will miss the entire season.
Veteran Free Agent Running Back Jamaal Williams Drawing Interest
The veteran running back has also been drawing interest from Chicago. Williams visited Chicago on August 9th for a workout and is now heading to Miami for a workout today. The Miami Dolphins are eager to sign Williams to add a veteran presence behind young stars De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and rookie Ollie Gordon II. While the Dolphins are a strong option, the Chicago Bears are also a favorite to land Williams.
New Bears head coach Ben Johnson has a solid connection with Williams. Johnson was the offensive coordinator in 2022 with the Detroit Lions when Williams had his most successful season. That season, Williams led Detroit with 1,066 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns. D’Andre Swift, now with the Bears, finished with 99 attempts, 542 rushing yards, and five touchdowns. Williams and Swift worked well together, with Swift’s agility and receiving ability complementing Williams’ power style as the goal-line back. The connections Williams has with Ben Johnson and D’Andre Swift could be a deciding factor if Williams joins the Bears.
Career Stats
Williams was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He spent four seasons in Green Bay as a dependable backup, leading the team in rushing as a rookie in 2017 with 467 yards while being part of a committee. As mentioned previously, his best years came in Detroit, including 2022, when he had a career-high 262 attempts for 1,066 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. In the past two years, Williams played with the New Orleans Saints, but his production dropped significantly due to limited opportunities behind Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller. Last season, he started just one game, finishing with a career-low 164 total rush yards. At this stage, Williams embraces his role as a reliable backup and veteran leader in the locker room.
Locker-room Presence and Leadership
A main reason Jamaal Williams is drawing interest is due to his energy and personality. He motivates teammates, raises practice intensity, and holds players accountable. Coaches and teammates praise his willingness to speak up and set the tone with his work ethic. Williams knows when to lighten the mood and when to push his teammates, making him a respected presence on any roster.
In 2022, he went viral during a training camp practice with a speech he gave to the team. Williams said, “I wanna let y’all know, man. Today, is the minimum of effort. Do not give up. Do not feel like you are tired. When you are tired, think of last year and think of that (expletive) record,” Williams pleaded with the roster. “Every time I get tired or I think I can’t go no more, I think of that (expletive) record. Last year wasn’t it. That ain’t us. We can make it. Have some heart. I get emotional about this. I am about to cry, because I care about ya’ll. Do your best, let’s go. Lions, on three.” His experience and proven leadership make him valuable to any team looking to add running back depth. The Bears appear to be the best fit for him at this point in his career.
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