Here’s that move at running back we were expecting: NewOrleans.Football’s Nick Underhill reports that the New Orleans Saints have signed veteran running back Darrel Williams, who worked out for the team on Monday.
Williams arrives after a series of injuries struck the depth chart including a knee sprain that’s expected to sideline rookie third-round draft pick Kendre Miller for the next week or two, as first reported by Underhill. The Saints are also managing a hamstring issue for backup Kirk Merritt in the wake of a season-ending Achilles injury to Eno Benjamin.
And that’s all preceding a three-game suspension for Alvin Kamara, meaning it’ll be some combination of Williams, Miller and Merritt (if healthy) competing with undrafted rookie Ellis Merriweather for one or two roster spots behind Jamaal Williams to start the season.
Williams does have the credentials to make the cut. The 28-year-old is listed at 5-foot-11 and 219 pounds and brings impressive versatility, with real production as a receiver. He didn’t have a big role with the Arizona Cardinals last season (just 25 touches for 111 scrimmage yards and a lone rushing touchdown) but he was much more productive in a better offense with the Kansas City Chiefs.
He totaled 1,014 rushing yards and 771 receiving yards in four years in Kansas City, scoring 15 combined touchdowns as a runner and receiver. He peaked in 2021 with 558 rushing yards (plus 6 touchdown runs) and 452 receiving yards (with a pair of scoring catches). The fifth-year veteran also has experience playing special teams. Williams played collegiately at LSU and hails from John Ehret High School in New Orleans’ Marrero community on the West Bank.
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