Free agent running back Jamaal Williams has found a new home a day after The Detroit Lions decided to walk away from their lead rusher.
Williams, who last year set a Lions franchise record for a single season with 17 rushing touchdowns, reportedly agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal with the New Orleans Saints on Wednesday.
The Lions and former Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery agreed on a three-year, $18 million deal on Tuesday.
Montgomery is expected to be unveiled at a news conference Thursday after officially signing his contract.
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Jamaal Williams #30 of the Detroit Lions celebrates with teammates after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on January 08, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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The Lions moved to Montgomery after negotiations with Williams collapsed. They were believed to offer Williams a deal similar to the one they gave Montgomery.
Montgomery’s contract includes a $4.5 million signing bonus and $11 million over the next two seasons, with an additional $500,000 available annually in per-game roster bonuses.
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Williams led the Lions in 1,066 rushing yards last season and became the first Lion to rush for 1,000 yards since Reggie Bush in 2013.
Williams, a Detroit fan favorite, had said he hoped to return to the Lions.
On Wednesday, he posted a thank you message to Lions fans on social media.
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“I just want to say thank you to all Detroit fans and everyone but the hidden village of the cave,” Williams wrote. “I’ve grown a lot in those two years and I appreciate every experience I had with every person I met while I was there.”
“I appreciate you all and know that KazeKage always pushes forward with that warrior mentality to be great,” Williams wrote in a second post.
In New Orleans, Williams will likely share backfield time with Alvin Kamara. He had 1,667 yards and 20 touchdowns on 415 carries in two seasons with the Lions.
Contact Dave Birkett at [email protected] Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.
This article originally appeared in Detroit Free Press: Ex-Detroit Lions RB Jamaal Williams reportedly signs with New Orleans
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