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Lions news: Detroit adds former Alabama, Florida State RB as Jahmyr Gibbs backup
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- Lions news: Detroit adds former Alabama, Florida State RB as Jahmyr Gibbs backup
Lions news: Detroit adds former Alabama, Florida State RB as Jahmyr Gibbs backup appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
After doling out a $67.5 million contract extension, Jahmyr Gibbs will be the leader of the Detroit Lions ' running back room for the foreseeable future. But if he were to ever go down, the Lions want to ensure they have proper backup options in play.
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On Monday, Detroit signed free agent running back Roydell Williams, via NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The financial terms of his deal have not yet been revealed.
After going undrafted, Williams signed with the Indianapolis Colts earlier this offseason. He was then waived, ultimately landing with the Lions. The running back is hoping his tenure lasts much longer in Detroit. But he'll be facing quite the uphill battle, as the franchise currently rosters eight players at the position.
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Williams spent six years at the college level, four at Alabama before two at Florida State. Overall, he ran for 1,264 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding another 217 yards and two scores through the air. Williams won a national championship with the Crimson Tide back in 2020.
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The fact Detroit signed him shows their offensive staff clearly sees something in the running back. But as an undrafted free agent – one that has already been cut for that matter – nothing is guaranteed.
Still, Williams has now walked into a potentially potent opportunity. The Lions are gearing up for their preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts. Even if Detroit's starters play, it'd only be for a couple drives. Players like Williams will be given the ball, and a chance to prove their worth. If the running back shines, there's more of a likely chance he sticks in the league, even if it isn't with the Lions.
Head coach Dan Campbell and company will have plenty of decisions to make come cut down day. Williams is trying to make it a bit more difficult when it comes to building out the running back room.
Related: Lions' 53-man roster prediction for 2026 NFL season
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