Alvin Kamara’s possible suspension forced Saints’ hand in $12M Jamaal Williams move (EXCLUSIVE)
On the same weekend as last year's 2022 Pro Bowl game, Saints running back Alvin Kamara got in trouble for assaulting a man at a hotel.
Kamara was arrested by Las Vegas police in February 2022, just hours after playing in the Pro Bowl on February 6, and charged with battery "resulting in substantial bodily harm," which resulted in a broken orbital bone to the victim. The alleged incident occurred the night before the Pro Bowl at the Cromwell Casino's Drai's After Dark club.
A video of the incident surfaced all over the internet earlier this year and it doesn't look good for Kamara. However, Kamara pleaded not guilty to battery charges a few weeks ago.
NFL players Alvin Kamara (Saints) and Chris Lammons (Bengals) plead not guilty to battery charges today. A trial is set for July @News3LV https://t.co/21lZHIRHnQ
It seems evident that Alvin Kamara will be suspended for a portion of the season, if not the entire season as a result of the trial. Nothing has been decided yet but that could change before the start of the season.
According to an NFL insider who spoke exclusively to Sportskeeda's Reggie Roberts, the Saints signed Williams for insurance just in case Kamara is suspended for the entire 2023-2024 season.
An insider told Roberts:
"Williams, who led all NFL RBs with 17 rushing touchdowns last season, could become New Orleans’ primary ball carrier next season should Alvin Kamara be suspended by the NFL based on his pending assault charge that took place at the 2022 Pro Bowl."
As insurance, the Saints signed former Lions running back Jamal Williams to a three-year $12 million deal which includes $8 million in guarantees.
Jamaal Williams’ deal with the Saints is for three years, $12 million, including $8 million fully guaranteed. twitter.com/adamschefter/s…
What can the New Orleans Saints expect from Jamaal Williams this season?
The Saints landed one of the best free agent running backs in Jamaal Williams. In his sixth season in the NFL last year, he had one of the best season-setting career-highs in rush attempts (262) yards (1,066) and touchdowns (17) which also was a league-high.
The Saints can expect a lot of touches from Williams this season, especially in the redzone. If Alvin Kamara comes back, they'll split the backfield, as Williams did most of last season with D'Andre Swift.
Last season, Kamara rushed for 897 yards and added 490 receiving yards while scoring four touchdowns.
The Saints have also added quarterback Derek Carr this off-season and are anticipating the return of star wide receiver Michael Thomas, who played only three games last season.
With the NFC South division wide open after Tom Brady's departure from Tampa Bay, it's up for grabs and the Saints seem to be the early favorites to win the division with the offensive talent they'll head into next season with.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Reggie Roberts and H/T Sportskeeda