Jamaal Williams (3 Viewers)

[Bayouboy]

If his salary was guaranteed, it would be foolish to cut him.

 

[St. Geezy]

You don't go from leading the league in in TDs to terrible in a year without bad coaching. I'm not putting last year on him.

He wouldn’t be the first back in recent years to see a sharp decline in abilities as he reached his late 20s, especially when talking about backs with a uber-physical running style.

28 is the new 30 for most running backs.

 

[TribuneUK]

I still believe he will be on the roster because it's not worth cutting him...

Our run blocking was terrible last year and not worth the money...

FIFY

 

[MikeyF]

His contract is fully guaranteed this year. Why would they cut him?

Because you only have so many roster spots!

 

[syracuse saint]

I wonder why we didn't call the Cowboys prior to the draft. I bet we could have got a 4th or 5th for him.

 

[St. Geezy]

I wonder why we didn't call the Cowboys prior to the draft. I bet we could have got a 4th or 5th for him.

No way. At best, you could maybe get someone to swap places with you in the 7th round for Williams.

Or maybe one of those “Williams and a 2025 7th for a 2025 6th” trades.

And that would be a lucky get…a back coming off a 2.9 ypc season holds just about zero value.

 

[St. Geezy]

Literally every single person on this list would be preferred option for me as a reserve RB, including WR Lynn Bowden.

 

[Nolan]

Because you only have so many roster spots!

It's true. I think there's a real scenario in which he's cut if an UDFA outperforms him in camp/preseason.

 

[St. Widge]

I don't really think we are in a place to cut him; financially or roster wise.

He knows the playbook
He knows the system
The run blocking should be improved this year
Kamara is going to be 30 this year
Miller hasn't really produced due to injury

If he can't make it this year, I think the writing is on the wall

Nobody knows the playbook or system yet since we just changed the system and the playbook.

I think there is an equal chance that Williams plays better in the new system or gets beat out by a younger RB that can play special teams. I think he still has something left but it's hard to tell considering how bad our OL and run scheme were last year. We telegraphed run plays and even AK struggled. AK got yard, and Miller when he was healthy, because they were able to dodge tacklers in the backfield with their quickness. Williams was never going to be that back. He needs a hole of some sort to be effective. Plus, he played FB a good part of the year due to injuries at FB.

I'm not sure whether he is a fit for an outside zone run system, but I'm sure Kubiak knows the answer to that so we will just have to wait and see. It doesn't make sense to cut him to cut him due to his contract, but I don't think they will keep him if someone beats him out.

I was honestly surprised they did not take a RB in the draft so maybe they think Williams fits better than I/we do. Then again, they may be counting on Miller stepping up.

 

[nakadish]

He wouldn’t be the first back in recent years to see a sharp decline in abilities as he reached his late 20s, especially when talking about backs with a uber-physical running style.

28 is the new 30 for most running backs.

Good point.

 

[StevenAitsover]

Laugh at him now but once he unleash his rasengan it’s joever for any opposing team. Don’t doubt the black Hokage.

 

[Thunderchild]

Let's think about this:

1. His salary is guaranteed.

2. He led the league in TDs in 2022 with the Colts Lions. Difference? Saints couldn't block a HS WR last year.

3. Kubiak said, "We just want to be grounded and run the football. We want to have an identify of ‘We can run the football against 8-man fronts.’ That’s something we’re going to stress to guys early this offseason. Building our play actions, moving the pocket off of that, being a real good team on first and second down. We’re dialed in on that in Phase 1 and Phase 2.”

So we're planning to go with a run first offense. That will include better Oline blocking which will open some holes for Williams. That should get him back to being an excellent short yardage runner.

And, yes, we can pass with him in the backfield. It will be up to Kubiak to disguise his intentions better where Williams will either run or block for the QB. Last year every team knew what we were going to do. This year, maybe not.

Based on Kubiak's interview, https://saintswire.usatoday.com/lis...lint-kubiak-derek-carr-taysom-hill-nfl-draft/ , I feel that Williams will have a place in this offense as a short yardage specialist.

 

[SAINTSFAN]

Because you only have so many roster spots!

Yeah, so pay him almost $4 million NOT to play? Seriously? I highly doubt that. It is not like he cannot provide some value.

 

[Hedon James]

His salary is guaranteed and he already earned his roster bonus for the year, they can’t save anything by cutting him. A trade would save money, but the tape from last year doesn’t do him any favors there.

I hear you. Best we can hope for is to cut him (not for cost savings) to clear a roster spot for an UDFA/rookie who is playing lights out and won't clear waivers?

 

[COACHTDL]

I understand the OL had issues, but why did Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller at least look like competent NFL running backs behind it?

Do you guys not realize how bad you have to be to average 2.9 ypc at this level?

Let's start with AK and KM are more talented.