Returning Green Bay Packers Jamaal Williams has an expiring contract and an uncertain future with the team that drafted him in 2017, but there is no doubt where he would want to spend the rest of his NFL career.
Williams told “NFL Now” via NFL.com that he loves Green Bay and would prefer to stay with the Packers long term.
“I’m thinking about free agency, but I’d love to be a Packer all my life,” said Williams. ‘They gave me my first chance. I like Green Bay. It’s just a great place to be. “
Williams also acknowledged the business side of the equation, saying he is ready to test free agency if the Packers don’t bid.
‘But you know, things happen. If things don’t happen, I’m just ready to take my shot at the free agency and show my skills to any team willing to take that chance on me. I’m just ready to go, man. I’m just ready to play, have fun, be myself, just bring my spark to any team that wants to give me that chance, ”said Williams.
Williams, a fourth round from BYU in 2017, has played his entire career with the Packers, playing in 60 of the 64 possible games with 20 starts. He has gained a total of 2,946 yards, including 1,985 rushing yards, and scored 18 touchdowns.
Williams has rushed for at least 400 yards and gained at least 600 yards in each of his first four seasons.
Teammates and coaches love Williams’ energy as a person and versatility as a player.
The Packers are currently stuck on the salary ceiling and are allowed to let Williams test the open market before actually making an effort to bring him back to Green Bay.
There are also other decisions to be made.
Last May, colleague Aaron Jones – who will also become a free agent – said he would like to be a “lifelong packer.” The team has yet to re-sign Jones, the starter and the other half of a prolific and effective running back duo from the past few seasons.
The Packers drafted AJ Dillon in the second round of last year’s draft, likely as a replacement should Williams or Jones leave on duty.