5 teams who could poach Jamaal Williams from the Detroit Lions in free agency

4. Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler is one of the best running backs in the NFL. But you wouldn’t know it by the production of the Chargers’ run game in 2022. To say nothing of abandoning the ground game as as they blew a playoff lead against the Jaguars, an epic failure that helped seal offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi’s inevitable fate.

The Chargers finished the regular season with the league’s third-worst rushing attack (89.6 yards per game). They were also tied for third-worst in yards per carry (3.8). Offensive line issues/ injuries were a big factor in that struggle, but Lombardi’s neutering of quarterback Justin Herbert as a downfield passer also made it easier on opposing defenses.

Logan Reardon of NBC Sports Chicago pointed to Jamaal Williams as a top free agent fit for the Chargers.

"Los Angeles Chargers: Jamaal Williams If the Chargers could run the ball consistently, they likely wouldn’t have blown a 27-0 lead in their playoff loss to the Jaguars. Austin Ekeler is an elite pass-catcher and outside runner, but they need a guy who thrives inside the tackle box. Fantasy football owners would hate it, but Los Angeles’ offense needs a guy like Williams who can change the pace."

The Chargers are currently about $20.5 million over the salary cap (according to Over The Cap). So they have a little work to do to get in the good financially, but that ultimately shouldn’t be a huge problem.

New Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could envision a quick harken back to his Cowboys days, with Williams as a better version of the current Ezekiel Elliott to Ekeler’s uptick on Tony Pollard.