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After going unsigned during the 2025 campaign, former New Orleans Saints backup RB Jamaal Williams is open to a new NFL opportunity this upcoming campaign. With Week 1 of the 2026 regular season underway, the veteran hopes an interested team could sign him. Selected as a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the former BYU product spent the first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers paired with now-Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones as a one-two punch. He joined the Detroit Lions in 2021, signing a two-year contract and splitting carries with veteran D’Andre Swift. Williams finished the following season with a league-leading 17 touchdowns while compiling 1,139 yards from scrimmage under now-Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Unfortunately, the former NFL rushing touchdowns leader became an afterthought following the 2024 season and since being released in 2025. The veteran running back appeared on The Schultz Report, hoping to find his next gig. He shares a message, but one that can be applied to himself, too: “This is for the free agents,” Williams said. “If you know you can still play, please keep playing. Play until you know you can’t play anymore. This game is not forever. Play with respect, love the game, love yourself, and just don’t give up on yourself if you know you can make it.” Former $12M Playmaker Jamaal Williams Open to NFL Return; 5 Potential Fits The Uphill Battle Realistically, the veteran will probably have to wait a little longer to receive an opportunity. Despite showing flashes in New Orleans, there are other available free-agent running backs, including Austin Ekeler, Kareem Hunt and Antonio Gibson, waiting for a chance, too. With Nick Chubb retiring and Joe Mixon on the verge of calling it a career, the former Green Bay Packer could follow in their footsteps. On a brighter note, while teams have solidified their depth charts, interested teams could reconsider before the upcoming postseason to bring in Williams as a mentor presence. Potential landing spots for the veteran RB in the next pages: