Saints coach Kellen Moore confirmed Williams’ return on Monday, September 7, with team coverage noting his signing to the practice squad. While modest on paper, this move carries additional significance given Williams’ prior time with the organization.
Williams, 30, appeared in 15 games with one start for the Saints last season, posting three sacks and five tackles for loss, along with five quarterback hits. Those numbers represent career highs for him, reflecting the impact he can deliver as a versatile defensive lineman.
The Saints’ decision to re-add Williams follows his offseason stint with the Arizona Cardinals, highlighting the team’s belief in his ability to contribute in multiple ways. Williams had previously joined New Orleans as a free agent in March 2025. Although he didn’t survive the initial roster cuts, he rejoined the Saints’ practice squad before his promotion to the active roster in September, where he earned a rotational role.
In 2025, Williams notched his first sack of the season against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams in November, then added sacks in consecutive games versus the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans. He made his lone start in the regular-season finale against Atlanta.
There is also a degree of schematic familiarity at play. When Williams first signed with New Orleans, he spoke about his prior familiarity with the defensive scheme overseen by coordinator Brandon Staley. This familiarity matters for a player rejoining after the preseason, as it allows him to acclimate more quickly to the system and expectations.
The Saints currently boast a crowded interior defensive line, including Davon Godchaux, Vernon Broughton, Nathan Shepherd, Khristian Boyd, Christen Miller, Colby Wooden, and John Ridgeway III. Williams does not need to immediately displace a teammate to be valuable; he provides an experienced option the team can develop on the practice squad and elevate if needed.
Season-opening plans add another layer to the move. New Orleans opens the regular season on Sunday, September 13, at Ford Field against Detroit. Williams briefly played for the Lions in 2024 after Detroit signed him off the Rams’ practice squad, though this return to New Orleans is not necessarily tied to facing Detroit. Rather, it strengthens the Saints’ defensive-line depth as they prepare to face an offense known for productive output in recent seasons.
Detroit scored 481 points in 2025, the second-highest total in the franchise’s history despite finishing 9-8, according to team notes. For Williams, the bigger story is returning to a familiar environment and the opportunity to contribute again in a defense he already knows, potentially turning a practice-squad stint into a more permanent role.
