Packers will now play Jamaal Williams twice a season

A fan favorite with the Green Bay Packers, Jamaal Williams now becomes a division rival.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Williams is signing with the Detroit Lions, a two-year deal worth $7.5 million.

It’s a great deal for the Lions, who get a talented running back at a bargain price. It’s also hard for Packers fans, who have loved watching Williams play in the green and gold and will now have to watch him play for a division rival.

It’s the tough part of the NFL. With both Aaron Jones and Williams hitting free agency, it was unrealistic that the Packers would ever be able to re-sign both. They were able to work out a multi-year deal with Jones, which unfortunately meant Williams would be signing elsewhere.

A fourth-round pick in 2017, Williams hasn’t just been a productive running back for the Packers, but also one of the most popular players on the team.

In four seasons in Green Bay, Williams had exactly 500 carries for 1,985 yards and 10 touchdowns, as well as 122 receptions for 961 yards and eight touchdowns.

He’s a three-down back. A talented runner between the tackles, averaging four yards per carry in his career. He was the Packers’ best blocker among the running backs, while also being a capable receiver. Who can forget his spectacular touchdown catch against the Kansas City Chiefs?

For the Packers, this confirms what seemed likely. AJ Dillon should see more opportunities in his second season, taking Williams’ role as the number two running back behind Jones. There’s a lot to like about their potential working together in the backfield.

Williams joins Corey Linsley on the way out of Green Bay. Linsley is signing with the Los Angeles Chargers.

But, hey, if there’s a positive, at least we have a reason to watch Lions games now.