Former running back for the Lions could find a new team in the form of the Bears.
Chicago Bears Explore Signing Former Lions Tailback Jamaal Williams
The Chicago Bears are looking to strengthen their running back room following an underwhelming 2024 season, with a particular focus on finding a reliable short-yardage back. This pursuit has led the team to consider signing Jamaal Williams, a veteran running back who recently worked out for the Bears on August 9, 2025 [1][3][4].
Williams, who has eight NFL seasons under his belt, boasts a career total of 4,122 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns. His most productive season came in 2022, where he amassed over 1,000 rushing yards and made a league-leading 17 rushing touchdowns with the Detroit Lions [1][4].
However, his recent years with the New Orleans Saints were less impactful, culminating in his release in March 2025. Since then, he has remained a free agent [1][4].
The Bears' current running back roster consists of former Lions player D'Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai. Williams was one of four running backs brought in for workouts, suggesting the Bears are actively evaluating backfield options due to injury concerns [1][5].
As of mid-August 2025, no official signing has been confirmed. The workout indicates that the Bears are seriously considering Williams as a depth or situational short-yardage back, especially in light of the injury to Roschon Johnson and the need to have reliable options available during training camp and preseason [1][4].
This move is part of a broader Bears effort to bolster running back depth ahead of the 2025 season kickoff. The team has already made significant improvements to their offensive line, signing two-time All-Pro Joe Thuney and former Pro Bowler Jonah Jackson [2].
Furthermore, the Bears have hired Eric Bieniemy as their new running backs coach for 2025. Bieniemy coached Kareem Hunt to a Pro Bowl season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2017, and is expected to benefit from Ben Johnson's coaching in 2025 [6].
The Bears have a short time to sign another running back for the preseason, with Week 1 less than a month away. Other notable veterans without a team include Gus Edwards, Zack Moss, Chase Edmonds, and Jeff Wilson Jr [7].
If signed, Williams would reunite with D'Andre Swift in the Bears' backfield, providing a potent one-two punch for the upcoming season.
References
[1] ESPN - Bears Work Out Jamaal Williams [2] Chicago Bears Sign Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson [3] NFL Network - Bears Work Out Jamaal Williams [4] NBC Sports Chicago - Bears Work Out Jamaal Williams [5] Chicago Sun-Times - Bears Bring in Four Running Backs for Workout [6] Chicago Tribune - Bears Hire Eric Bieniemy as Running Backs Coach [7] Pro Football Talk - Remaining Veteran Running Backs Without Teams
The Chicago Bears, in an attempt to reinforce their running back corps, have recently worked out veteran running back Jamaal Williams, whom they are considering signing for depth or as a situational short-yardage back, potentially reuniting him with D'Andre Swift in the team's backfield during the 2025 NFL season.
As a seasoned NFL athlete with over 4,000 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns, Williams could bring valuable experience to the Bears' American football team, particularly the NFL's Chicago Bears franchise.
