Still feeling the sting of last season’s recurring injuries, Dan Campbell is taking no chances this year, making sure he has plenty of options when the regular season arrives. Hence, the Lions are reportedly adding a new weapon to the running back room, which is led by Jahmyr Gibbs.
According to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions are set to sign the former Florida State running back Roydell Williams, who was recently waived by the Indianapolis Colts and is looking for a new home in the NFL.
“Source: The #Lions are signing former Florida State RB Roydell Williams,” wrote Schultz on X after sharing the news. “Williams is a UDFA rookie who was most recently with the Colts. He had 15 career touchdowns at FSU and Alabama.”
Williams is a UDFA rookie who was most recently with the Colts. He had 15 career touchdowns at FSU and Alabama.
Roydell Williams’ First NFL Opportunity Ended Almost as Quickly as It Began
Roydell Williams went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, but he eventually signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts on July 31. His rookie contract with the two-time Super Bowl champions was valued at $ 3.1 million for 3 years, which meant his average salary was $1.03 million. However, the contract didn’t include any signing bonus or guaranteed money since he went undrafted this year.
Following his signing, the 24-year-old played only one preseason game for the Colts when they faced the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. However, he had limited action in the game, playing only 5 snaps on offense.
GettyRoydell Williams
Williams rushed for only 4 yards during his time in the middle, while recording 3 carries, as the game finished with a 13-13 record. Despite his limited time on the gridiron, the rookie was waived due to the roster move. The Colts signed Chargers legend and veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen on August 19, and the rookie made room for him after the franchise waived him the very same day.
Before breaking into the big leagues, the running back spent six seasons in college football, playing for the Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida State. While he spent his first four seasons (2020-23) at Alabama, he ended his collegiate career at Florida State, appearing in 48 games and rushing for 1,219 yards and 13 touchdowns.
With the roster cut around the corner, it remains to be seen if Williams makes the 53-man squad in a running back room that has impressive firepower.
Lions’ RB Injuries Open the Door for Roydell Williams
While the Lions’ running back room is highly talented, it has been battling recent injuries, prompting the franchise to look to add more RB depth, with the season opener less than three weeks away.
Their RB room is led by Jahmyr Gibbs, who is known for his speed and explosiveness. The three-time Pro Bowler is the highest-paid running back in the league at the moment, carrying a weight of expectations heading into the next season.
GettyJahmyr Gibbs
His main backup is the offseason signing and the former Kansas City Chiefs star, Isiah Pacheco, who is currently dealing with an MCL sprain. The RB3 option is Sione Vaki, who is highly rated but recently dealt with a broken nose. Moreover, the other RB option, Jacob Saylors, also suffered a lower ankle injury during the preseason game against the Bengals. Therefore, Williams’ reported signing is a calculated move by the Lions, adding much-needed insurance.
Lions Signing Recently Waived Colts Rookie: Report