Lions sign RB Jamaal Williams, fantasy impact

With the Green Bay Packers having A.J. Dillon and re-signing Aaron Jones, Jamaal Williams was the odd man out of the backfield, so he found a new home in free agency, signing a two-year deal with the Detroit Lions, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Former #Packers RB Jamaal Williams is signing a two-year deal worth up to $7.5 million with the #Lions, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 17, 2021

The 25-year-old Williams joins Detroit after spending the last four years with Green Bay. He had between 450 and 560 rushing yards and 200-270 receiving yards every year with the Packers. He joins a Lions backfield that already has 2020 second-round pick D’Andre Swift and veteran Kerryon Johnson.

Lions sign RB from division rival, land Jamaal Williams

Fantasy Impact: Williams brings a versatile skill set to Detroit where he likely rounds out a unit that also features D’Andre Swift and Kerryon Johnson. Despite being mostly a backup with the Packers, Williams has been highly productive, touching the ball at least 140 times in all four seasons as a pro and racking up nearly 3,000 yards from scrimmage with 18 total touchdowns. Per PFF, Williams averaged 3.2 yards after contact per carry as well. He figures to be a high-end backup who will most certainly see a good amount of playing time and help alleviate some of the burden from Swift. If Williams settles into a bigger role than high-end backup, don’t yet panic about Swift’s fantasy upside. Keep in mind that both Dan Campbell (Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray/Mark Ingram) and Anthony Lynn (Austin Ekeler/Melvin Gordon) have track records producing two high-end fantasy options in the same season. — Brett Whitefield

Lions sign RB Jamaal Williams, fantasy impact

Lions sign RB from division rival, land Jamaal Williams

FTN’s Free Newsletter