According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints have added running back Jonathan Williams to the active roster. Per his Tuesday afternoon report, he was signed off the Denver Broncos practice squad to a 2-year contract. The Saints had an immediate opening with the season-ending injury to Daniel Lasco in Week 10’s blowout victory over the Bills.
The Broncos likely chose to let Williams depart for New Orleans because they already have a crowded backfield. C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker and Jamaal Charles give the team a three-headed monster and promising rookie De’Angelo Henderson is also available off the bench.
Williams, who was a fifth-round pick of 2016 by the Bills, played collegiately at Arkansas, and reunites with current Saints running backs coach Joel Thomas. Despite playing in 10 games during his rookie season for Buffalo (27 carries, 94 yards, TD, 2 fumbles) and getting a vote of confidence from head coach Sean McDermott as the team’s primary backup to LeSean McCoy, Williams ended up being a surprise Sept. 3 cut prior to the beginning of the season.
He’d go unclaimed on waivers, and end up on the Broncos practice squad, where he ended up getting a $510,000 contract.
Williams will now join a Saints backfield that already includes Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. The 23-year-old running back will likely serve as the team’s No. 3 option behind Ingram and Kamara.
Williams has no value in redraft leagues unless one of the top two running backs is injured, but he could be worth stashing in deep dynasty leagues now that he's in a better situation.
