BYU Players in the NFL: Jamaal Williams’ Career at a Crossroads After 2024 Season
Jamaal Williams is arguably the greatest NFL running back to emerge from BYU. Following a quiet 2024 campaign with the New Orleans Saints, the future of the eight-year veteran’s career is uncertain.
His 4,122 career rushing yards rank second among BYU alumni, just 117 yards behind quarterback Steve Young. Former quarterback Taysom Hill is third on the list with 2,437 yards, while Tyler Allgeier is the next pure running back with 2,362 yards. No other BYU running back has surpassed 750 rushing yards in the NFL, making Jamaal’s achievements exceptional and worthy of recognition from BYU fans.
In 2022, Williams had a standout season with the Detroit Lions, rushing for 1,066 yards and leading the league with 17 touchdowns. At age 27 and in his sixth NFL season, he seemed poised for a few more productive years. His on-field success, combined with his charismatic personality and love for Pokémon, endeared him to fans and made him a popular figure in the NFL.
In 2023, Williams signed a 3-year, $12 million contract with the Saints, including $8.2 million guaranteed. He accepted a secondary role behind Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara but secured financial stability. Unfortunately, this came at the expense of a reduced workload, and he rushed for just 306 yards on 106 carries, averaging 2.9 yards per carry in his first season with New Orleans.
In 2024, Jamaal’s role diminished further.
2024 Statistical Summary
- 14 games, 1 start
- 48 rushes, 164 yards, 3.4 YPC, 1 TD
- 9 receptions, 57 yards
- 11 kick returns, 288 yards (26.2-yard average)
Season Overview
Despite limited opportunities, Williams contributed to a struggling Saints team that finished 5-12. He gained 11 first downs and was a reliable power runner. His best performances came early in the season during two blowout wins. In Week 1 against the Panthers, he rushed for 38 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. In Week 2 against the Cowboys, he added 39 yards on eight carries. However, those two games accounted for over half of his rushing yards in 2024.
As the season progressed, younger backs Kendre Miller and Jordan Mims began to take more carries, sidelining Williams further. However, he found a new role as a kick returner, amassing 288 yards on 11 returns with a solid 26.2-yard average, a career first for the veteran.
Jamaal Williams’ Next Steps
It remains to be seen if the Saints will retain Williams for 2025. His cap hit is $3.9 million, while releasing him would save $1.6 million. Given his limited usage in 2024 and the presence of younger backs, New Orleans may part ways with him.
If released, Jamaal will face a challenging market as a 30-year-old running back who has averaged just 3.1 yards per carry over the past two seasons. The NFL is full of younger, cheaper options, making it difficult for him to secure a favorable situation.
Williams has had an outstanding career, tallying 4,122 rushing yards on 1,069 carries (3.9 YPC) with 32 touchdowns, plus 1,310 receiving yards and eight receiving touchdowns. His total of 5,432 scrimmage yards and 40 touchdowns is remarkable.
If the Saints let him go, contenders seeking a power back might give him another opportunity in 2025. Kyle Van Noy’s career was nearly over two years ago, but he rebounded to play some of his best football. Hopefully, Jamaal Williams will follow a similar path and enjoy a resurgence next season.