2022 was a special season for Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams. He joined the franchise with hopes of helping them turn things around after being downtrodden for so long. In 2022, signs of progress were evident.

The Lions went 9-8, just barely missing the postseason. Jamaal Williams was a big reason for that. He assumed a much larger role in the offense than anticipated because of injuries to De’Andre Swift and took full advantage.

Jamaal Williams handled the biggest workload of his career and put up some remarkable statistics. He carried the ball 262 times for 1,066 yards and a league-high 17 touchdowns. Detroit was so efficient on offense and in the red zone in large part because of his success finding paydirt.

Now entering free agency, Jamaal Williams has a chance to cash in. This year’s free agent and draft classes are deep, so finding a lucrative long-term deal could be challenging. But, it is hard to ignore the production that he had this past season.

Where could Jamaal Williams end up if the Lions don’t re-sign him? The NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles could be in the market for a running back with Mile Sanders and Boston Scott both hitting free agency. He will assuredly be cheaper than Sanders and has shown he can excel in a split backfield.

Another contender that could give Jamaal Wiliams a call is the Buffalo Bills. Devin Singletary is set to hit free agency, leaving James Cook on the roster. It can be argued Cook isn’t a true No. 1 back, so pairing him with a steady veteran would make sense.

If he is looking for a large role as the lead back on an offense, the Miami Dolphins could provide him with that. The Dolphins don’t have a single running back under contract currently for 2023. With an open depth chart, they can make up for the lack of money in a contract with a larger role.

The Carolina Panthers could be in a similar boat. With D’Onta Foreman a free agent, that leaves Chuba Hubbard to man the backfield. Jamaal Williams would provide a good early-down complement to him just as Foreman did during the 2022 season.

A relatively large role could also be found with the Chicago Bears. David Montgomery is hitting free agency and even if the team wants to give Khalil Herbert a longer look, adding a capable player in Jamaal Williams alongside him makes sense. The Bears had the No. 1 rushing offense in the NFL last season and boatloads of cash to spend, which will certainly be appealing to a veteran free agent.