3 Teams Which Could Pursue Jamaal Williams

Jamaal Williams and the Detroit Lions have been a match made in Heaven since he joined the Lions as a free agent in the spring of 2021. It was especially the case this past season.

Williams' eccentric personality won over fans during HBO's taping of "Hard Knocks" during training camp, and then the former Packers running back proceeded to have a career-best campaign.

The talented running back emerged as Detroit's No. 1 back -- as his backfield counterpart D'Andre Swift struggled with the injury bug -- and rushed for 1,000 yards for the first time as an NFL back (1,066 yards). He also amassed 17 rushing touchdowns, breaking the Lions' single-season rushing TD record (a mark previously held by Barry Sanders). 

Williams, now an impending unrestricted free agent, has already expressed a desire to return to the Motor City. And, it does seem inevitable that a deal will be struck between him and Detroit general manager Brad Holmes.

However, if the two sides are unable to come to terms on a new contract, here are three teams which could make a run for the free-agent back this offseason.

Carolina Panthers 

The Panthers have a free-agent running back themselves this offseason in the form of D’Onta Foreman. 

Foreman rushed for a career-best 914 yards and five touchdowns in his first full season as a pro in 2022. And, he will be just 27 years old come the start of the 2023 season. So, there could be interest from the Panthers to re-sign him. 

However, it's important to note there is a new coaching staff in Carolina, led by former Indianapolis Colts head man Frank Reich. And, Reich has decided to bring in former Lions running backs coach Duce Staley to serve in the same role with the Panthers. 

From all accounts, Staley was a fan of Williams in Detroit. So, if the Panthers decide to move on from Foreman, it wouldn't be surprising to see Williams land in Carolina, where he could form a one-two punch with Chuba Hubbard. 

Williams and Hubbard could be a dynamic duo in the Panthers' backfield, and I believe it very well could become a reality now because of the influence of Staley. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Mixon's long-term staying power in Cincinnati is uncertain, and he could be a cap casualty of the franchise this offseason. His production went down from 1,205 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground in 2021, to 814 yards and seven TDs on the ground in 2022. 

Additionally, the Bengals would gain $7 million in cap savings by cutting the veteran back this offseason. So, there is a real possibility that Cincinnati parts ways with Mixon. 

Also, Mixon's backup Samaje Perine is set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason. 

Subsequently, the organization could be in search of a new No. 1 back, and Williams could be just the guy that the Bengals are looking for to fill the void. 

Even if Cincinnati decides to bring back Perine, I still wouldn't be surprised if the Bengals make a run for Williams this offseason.