While Aaron Jones will set the market for running backs this offseason, another major member of the Packers backfield will also be entering free agency. As Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal writes, running back Jamaal Williams “never received an in-season offer from the Packers” and is set to hit free agency. Wilde also reports that Williams recently changed representation, hiring agent Bardia Ghahremani.
The 25-year-old running back has had a consistent role in the Packers offense since entering the league in 2017. This included a 2020 campaign during which he ran for 505 yards and two touchdowns on 119 carries while adding 31 receptions for 236 yards and one score. He compiled another 110 yards from scrimmage in the playoffs.
Perhaps most importantly, Williams has also served as Aaron Rodgers‘ top blocking running back, with the quarterback praising the production of the fourth-year pro.
“Obviously I’m a big Jamaal Williams fan, not just his play but his energy and the person he is,” Rodgers said (via Wilde). “He’s a do-it-all guy. He’s a slasher, he hits the hole, he’s also great out of the backfield, he’s got really good feet.”
The Packers have leaned heavily on the Jones-Williams tandem in recent years, but Green Bay could be forced to look for cheaper alternatives to fill out its depth chart. In the event that both running backs end up leaving for big-money deals, Green Bay would likely give the reins to 2020 second-rounder AJ Dillon.
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