The 2024 season was undeniably a huge one for Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams. His first two seasons were impacted by coming back from a torn ACL as a rookie, then a gambling suspension and work he clearly had to do to become a complete receiver in Year 2.
From the moment offseason work started, Williams seemed to know his third season was pivotal for his career. He took that strong work right into the season, topping 1,000 yards for the first time while finishing second in the league in yards per catch (17.3; first among wide receivers with at least 50 targets). Deeper numbers show how reliable a target Williams was for Jared Goff.
But for all the progress and personal growth Williams showed during his third season, there were a couple hiccups. He tested positive for a banned substance, and was suspended for two games. Shortly after that, a gun-related incident involving Williams came to light. He was not charged for the gun-related incident, and he is not facing discipline from the NFL in relation to it.
Williams is eligible for a contract extension this offseason, and the Lions have a pretty easy decision to pick up his $15.49 million fifth-year option by May 1.
Lions beat writer outlines how time is on team's side with Jameson Williams' extension
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press recently evaluated if the Lions should sign Williams to a contract extension this offseason. Starting with some insight about how talks are progressing right now, he made a case.
"No deal is imminent for Williams and the Lions, and there’s a case to be made the Lions should hold off on signing their young receiver to a big-money extension. ... But given Williams’ limited and questionable NFL track record so far, the most prudent approach from the team is to slow-play a new deal."
Birkett acknowledged the Lions' fairly clear-cut decision to pick up Williams' fifth-year option, but how that mostly buys them more time to figure out whether to sign him to an extension or not.
"Once that happens, they’ll control Williams’ rights through 2026 with the option to use the franchise tag on him beyond that. Williams’ future should crystalize more in the next 12 months."
For reasons beyond and within his control, Williams has had one notably productive NFL season in three thus far. Being worthy of a lucrative contract extension in a rising wide receiver market requires more than that, so the Lions can and should see how next season plays out before making that commitment.
