Jamaal Williams has established himself as one of the most reliable and physically resilient running backs in the NFL over his eight-season career. Known for his versatility as both a runner and a pass-blocker, Williams has compiled over 4,000 rushing yards and 40 total touchdowns while playing for the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and New Orleans Saints.

As of early 2026, Williams is currently a free agent following his release from the New Orleans Saints in March 2025. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of his career statistics, records, and performance history.

Jamaal Williams Career Statistics Summary

Across 117 career games, Jamaal Williams has proven to be a consistent contributor to every backfield he has joined. Below are his cumulative NFL regular-season statistics:

Category Career Total
Rushing Yards 4,122
Rushing Touchdowns 32
Carries 1,069
Yards Per Carry (Avg) 3.9
Receptions 187
Receiving Yards 1,310
Total Touchdowns 40

Performance by Team and Season

Jamaal Williams’ career is defined by three distinct chapters, each showcasing different aspects of his skill set, from a reliable tandem back in Green Bay to a record-breaking goal-line specialist in Detroit.

Green Bay Packers (2017–2020)

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of BYU, Williams quickly became a staple in the Packers' offense. He was frequently utilized in a "thunder and lightning" duo alongside Aaron Jones.

  • 2017: In his rookie season, Williams recorded 556 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, while adding 262 receiving yards.
  • 2018: He maintained consistency with 464 rushing yards and 3 scores.
  • 2019: Williams became a significant threat in the passing game, catching 5 receiving touchdowns to go along with 460 rushing yards.
  • 2020: In his final year with Green Bay, he averaged 4.2 yards per carry, totaling 505 rushing yards.

Detroit Lions (2021–2022)

Williams’ tenure in Detroit was the most productive stretch of his career, culminating in a historic 2022 campaign.

  • 2021: He recorded 601 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns in 13 games.
  • 2022: This was Williams’ breakout year. He led the entire NFL with 17 rushing touchdowns, breaking Barry Sanders' long-standing Detroit Lions franchise record of 16. He also surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the first time, finishing with 1,066 rushing yards.

New Orleans Saints (2023–2024)

Williams signed a three-year contract with New Orleans in 2023 but saw a decrease in production due to a rotating backfield and injury setbacks.

  • 2023: He appeared in 13 games, recording 306 rushing yards and 1 touchdown.
  • 2024: In his final season with the Saints, Williams played 14 games, logging 164 rushing yards on 48 carries.

Notable NFL Records and Achievements

Throughout his career, Jamaal Williams has been recognized for his ball security and efficiency in the red zone.

  • Single-Season Rushing TD Leader: Williams led the league in 2022 with 17 rushing touchdowns.
  • Lions Franchise Record: His 17 touchdowns in 2022 are the most in a single season in Detroit Lions history.
  • Ball Security Record: Williams set an NFL record for the most carries to start a career without a fumble, reaching 585 carries before his first professional muff.
  • College Legacy: He remains the all-time leading rusher at BYU with 3,901 yards.

Current Status and 2025 Outlook

Following the 2024 season, the New Orleans Saints released Jamaal Williams in March 2025 as part of a roster restructuring. Despite his veteran status, Williams remains a sought-after free agent due to his pass-protection abilities and locker room leadership. During the 2025 preseason, he held workouts with several teams, including the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins, but has yet to sign a permanent contract as of the 2026 offseason.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jamaal Williams' career high for rushing yards in a game?

His career high is 144 rushing yards, achieved on January 1, 2023, while playing for the Detroit Lions against the Chicago Bears.

How many touchdowns does Jamaal Williams have?

Jamaal Williams has 40 total touchdowns in his NFL career: 32 rushing touchdowns and 8 receiving touchdowns.

What team does Jamaal Williams play for now?

As of April 2026, Jamaal Williams is a free agent. He most recently played for the New Orleans Saints.

Did Jamaal Williams break Barry Sanders' record?

Yes, in the 2022 season, Jamaal Williams scored 17 rushing touchdowns, surpassing Barry Sanders' previous Detroit Lions record of 16 rushing touchdowns in a single season.

Summary of Career Impact

Jamaal Williams has proven that longevity in the NFL comes from a combination of reliability, specialized skills, and an elite work ethic. While his 2022 season in Detroit stands as his statistical peak, his ability to contribute as a pass-blocker and a short-yardage specialist has made him a valuable asset for three different NFL franchises. Whether he signs with a new team for the 2026 season or transitions into a different role, his impact on the record books in Detroit and his legendary ball security will remain key parts of his professional legacy.