After a mixed NFL career in Green Bay, what are the potential landing spots for Jamaal Williams in free agency? Where could the Packers RB find himself playing in the 2021 NFL season?
Jamaal Williams Landing Spots
With the re-signing of Aaron Jones on a four-year contract, Jamaal Williams’ time in Green Bay appears to be over. Where could the Packers RB end up when free agency for 2021 shakes out?
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are left with limited options at running back this offseason. Therefore, unless the Falcons’ plans involve drafting a running back high in the 2021 NFL Draft, they could look to add a couple of mid-round free agents. Williams has demonstrated his ability to be a dual-threat out of the backfield, which could give him a shot to win a camp competition.
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During his time in Green Bay, Williams has 1,985 rushing yards and 961 receiving yards. He has also scored a combined 18 touchdowns. Of those, 10 have come on the ground, with 8 through the air. A running back with that versatility will be attractive for Atlanta as a landing spot.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are set to lose Kenyan Drake to free agency, meaning this is an ideal landing spot for Jamaal Williams. While Drake was not used much in the passing game, Williams could be a dual-threat back for the Cardinals.
From Williams’ perspective, there are not many better situations than that in Arizona alongside Kyler Murray. Murray commands the attention of the defense, allowing his back more room to succeed. Williams could consider taking a short-term deal with the Cardinals in the hope of getting a boost in his rushing numbers ahead of free agency in 2022 or 2023.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins need to add competition for Myles Gaskin this offseason. Jamaal Williams is not a player that can come in and immediately take over as the No. 1. However, he would be an ideal candidate to compete with Gaskin and potentially work in a committee.
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Williams’ ability in the receiving game would make him an intriguing back to work with Tua Tagovailoa as he develops. Williams could have a big impact on the Dolphins offense in 2021.
New York Giants
The Giants need a reliable backup behind Saquon Barkley in 2021. Barkley is a skilled receiver in both facets of the game. For that reason, this would be an ideal landing spot for Jamaal Williams. Williams could come in and be a like-for-like replacement for Barkley in his ability to contribute in both areas of the offense.
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are another team that looks likely to have a camp competition for this role. Williams’ dual-threat ability could make him a contender for the role alongside Rashaad Penny and DeeJay Dallas.
Williams could look to slot in and take over the role from Chris Carson. However, he has also shown he is a capable backup, and could take that role while the Seahawks examine what they have in Penny.
What is Jamaal Williams’ market value in free agency?
Jamaal Williams’ free-agent market value will depend on whether any of his potential landing spots see him as a starter. Throughout his career, he has been remarkably consistent. He has rushed for between 460 and 556 yards in each of his four seasons. He has also added between 210 and 262 receiving yards.
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The Packers RB has improved in the last two seasons, topping four yards per carry and going over 80 percent catch rate in each of those years. While he lacks the high-end numbers, there is plenty of potential for teams to work with. The most likely number for Jamaal Williams is to see a deal around the $2.5 million a year mark, with incentives based on playing time and performance.
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