It’s not even training camp yet, but Jameson Williams is already at the center of some big-picture conversations in Detroit. The Lions picked up his fifth-year option earlier this offseason, but with future contract decisions looming for stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, it’s fair to wonder if the Lions would entertain bold options that reshape both sides of the ball.
One such scenario made the rounds this week. When a mock trade suggestion includes the words “T.J. Watt” and “Detroit Lions” in the same sentence, fans are going to pay attention. That’s what happened this week when 93.7 The Fan’s Andrew Fillipponi floated a proposal that would send Watt to Detroit in exchange for Williams, a 2026 second-round pick, and a 2027 third-rounder.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) July 8, 2025If the Steelers and TJ Watt can't come to an agreement on a new deal in the next month. Would you consider this trade?
TJ Watt
to the Lions
for
WR Jameson Williams. 2026 2nd round pick. 2027 3rd round pick.
At first glance, it feels like a steep price. But looking closer, no first-rounder and it solves two big problems at once. It gives the Lions an elite edge rusher to pair with Hutchinson, and helps them avoid a tricky—and potentially expensive—contract situation with Williams.
Watt would instantly change the identity of this defense. Opposing offenses have spent the last two years keying in on Hutchinson. Watt’s presence fixes that overnight. The Lions haven’t had a duo with that kind of firepower coming off both edges since... well, it’s hard to even name one. This would be a massive upgrade for a team that’s been searching for sack production outside of Hutchinson.
Jameson Williams could be too pricey for Detroit’s long game
This wouldn’t be about giving up on Williams. He’s coming off a breakout season with over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. But the contract math is starting to get complicated. Detroit already gave Amon-Ra St. Brown a massive extension, and they’ll need to keep money free for a slew of young talent down the line. That’s before even getting into Hutchinson’s looming massive payday.
Williams’ fifth-year option is locked in for 2026 at nearly $15.5 million, and if he builds on last year’s stats, the number to keep him long-term could push toward $25 million annually. That’s a tough squeeze for a team that's already trying to manage a high-powered offense and needs to pour resources into the defense.
The Lions also have internal options they’re intrigued by. Rookie Dominic Lovett has impressed early. Isaac TeSlaa has the size and hands to carve out a red-zone role. And even if those guys don’t pop immediately, there are veterans still on the market—Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Gabe Davis—who could come in and help plug the gap.
Watt, on the other hand, isn’t easily replaceable. Even with a hefty contract ask, the Lions are one of the few teams in a cap position to make it work. They’ve got over $40 million in space and a front office that has managed big deals wisely. If they view Watt as the piece that takes their defense from playoff-ready to championship-caliber, it’s definitely worth exploring.
No, the Steelers haven’t shown real signs they’re ready to deal Watt. And no, trading away your WR2 in his prime is never easy. But if this deal ever landed on Brad Holmes’ desk, it wouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. The Lions have been aggressive in building a winner, and this trade addresses two major headaches at once.
