Jamaal Williams DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The New Orleans Saints released running back Jamaal Williams on Tuesday, according to The 33rd Team's Ari Meirov. The move comes after Williams' worst season as a pro in 2024 in his second year with the Saints. The 29-year-old was rarely used behind starter Alvin Kamara and finished with a career-low 48 rushing attempts for 164 yards and one touchdown while adding only nine receptions for 57 yards on 11 targets in 14 games (one start). Williams had a league-high 17 rushing touchdowns in 2022 in his final year with the Detroit Lions but averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, 470 rushing yards and two touchdowns in his 27 games (five starts) in two seasons with the Saints. He's unlikely to garner a ton of interest on the open market in free agency this offseason and will almost certainly have to settle for a depth role at RB wherever he signs.

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams should see an uptick in usage in Week 18, with Kendre Miller (concussion) out and Alvin Kamara (groin) doubtful. That may not translate to fantasy value, though, as Williams has done little in the sporadic opportunities he has seen. In 13 games this season, Williams has 40 carries for 149 yards and one touchdown. Even after Miller's exit in the second quarter last week, Williams was outsnapped and outgained by the recently signed Clyde Edwards-Helaire, though his snap share was the highest he had seen since Week 8. Williams may be utilized more as a pass-catcher with Chris Olave (concussion) listed as questionable and the remaining wide receiver ranks thin on talent. Even though injuries have cleared a path up the depth chart for him, Williams will still be vying for touches with CEH and Jordan Mims, making him easy to avoid in fantasy leagues that are still active in Week 18.

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams had two carries for 12 yards and caught his lone target for 12 more yards through the air in Sunday's 25-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Williams was largely irrelevant despite the team designating Alvin Kamara (groin) out and losing fill-in starter Kendre Miller (head) to a possible concussion in the second quarter. Williams did see his highest snap count since Week 8 but was outdone in that regard by recent signee Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was promoted from the practice squad on Saturday. CEH led the Saints' running backs with six total touches for 30 scrimmage yards. If Miller and Kamara are both out for Week 18's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Williams might see increased usage in a timeshare with Edwards-Helaire. Given his underwhelming production in the Saints' limited utilization, not much should be expected from him in the season finale.