The Detroit Lions won’t miss Jamaal Williams, on the field

Jamaal Williams will certainly be missed in Detroit in many respects, but on the field he ultimately won’t be.

As the early days of free agency went on, it became more and more obvious Jamaal Williams would not be re-signing with the Detroit Lions. On the heels of a report the two sides were pretty far apart in talks, the Lions pivoted to former Bears running back David Montgomery.

On Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Jamaal Williams agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal ($8 million guaranteed) with the New Orleans Saints. The Lions of course gave Montgomery more guaranteed money over the same contract term, with Lions fans certainly ready to further lament the idea of losing Williams.

Except Montgomery is two years younger than Williams, he’s a legit threat as a pass catcher and he’s a more explosive runner. For those who cite Williams’ culture fit in Detroit, which he clearly was in spades, Montgomery’s fit in that respect should not be discounted.

Jamaal Williams will ultimately not be missed on the field by the Detroit Lions

As noted by plenty of deeper data points, including the one below noted by Brett Whitefield, Montgomery is purely a better, more explosive runner than Williams. Behind the Lions’ top-notch offensive line, his potential is simply massive.

Montgomery had 96 receptions over the 2020 and 2021 seasons for the Bears, then he averaged 9.3 yards per catch in 2022. While the presence of D’Andre Swift as a passing game weapon (when he’s been available) has to be noted, Williams had just 12 catches last season. He has also never had 40 catches in a season during his career, and he has averaged 6.5 yards per catch or less in three of the last four seasons.

Williams exudes intangibles, and he was a principle figure in laying the foundation for the new culture in Detroit. But it became time to move on as contract talks went on, and stalled, and the Lions quickly pivoted to Montgomery.

Williams’ uniqueness as a team leader can’t ever be fully replaced. But on the field, with Montgomery replacing him more than capably, he ultimately will not be missed by the Lions.