NEW ORLEANS -- The Saints released veteran running back Jamaal Williams on Tuesday.
The release of Williams is the first major move of the offseason for the Saints, who had to clear at least $40 million to become salary cap compliant before the start of the new league year on March 12.
The Saints will save $1.59 million against the salary cap with Williams' release and absorb $2.34 million in dead money.
Williams signed a three-year deal in 2023 worth an average of $4 million a year and a total of $8 million guaranteed. At the time of his signing, Williams was coming off a career-best year with the Detroit Lions, where he led the league with 17 rushing touchdowns.
Williams, 29, never came close to those numbers in his two seasons in New Orleans. He rushed for only 470 yards and two touchdowns, and became expendable after Alvin Kamara signed an extension last fall.
This is the Saints' second offseason move to become cap compliant. The first move occurred in early January, when they reworked the contract of right tackle Ryan Ramczyk, who is expected to retire this offseason due to knee issues.
