The Denver Broncos are going into the season with a receiving room that is still missing one more playmaker. Second-year quarterback Bo Nix has a big arm and likes to push the ball downfield and take chances. He needs a receiver who can stretch the field and make plays. Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions is the perfect candidate for that role.
Williams is a speedy wide receiver who knows how to get behind defenses and create big plays. He had the best season of his career so far in his third year. At just 23 years old, he’s still far from reaching his full potential. Williams recorded 58 catches for 1,001 yards, seven touchdowns, 11 rushes for 61 yards, and a rushing touchdown.
In the postseason, he added seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, plus two rushes for 103 yards and two more scores. Williams is an exceptional talent who always forces defenses to back up and find him. He can change a game with his ability to score from anywhere on the field.
The trade could look like Jameson Williams and a fourth-round pick in exchange for John Franklin-Myers, Devaughn Vele, a second-round pick, and a sixth-round pick. The deal would give the Broncos a dynamic playmaker while the Lions get pass rush help, a young receiver, and valuable draft capital.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams (9) dives into the end zone to celebrate scoring a touchdown against Jacksonville Jaguars during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024.
The Lions would get Franklin-Myers, who recorded 40 tackles and seven sacks last season. They are getting Aidan Hutchinson back from injury, but it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready for the start of the season or how long it will take to return to dominant form.
Also included in the deal is Vele, who had 41 catches for 475 yards and three touchdowns. The 6-foot-5 target would give Jared Goff a big-bodied receiver who can go up and make contested catches.
Detroit also drafted a speedy, physical receiver in Isaac TeSlaa, who could pair with Vele to match, or even exceed, the production they got from Williams. In addition, the Lions would receive two draft picks to build with in next year’s draft.
On Denver’s side, the Broncos would get a speedy playmaker and still retain a pick in next year’s draft. It may seem like they gave up a lot, but they’d add the weapon they need to solidify the offense.
Williams would replace Vele, while Franklin-Myers could be replaced by third-round pick Sai’vion Jones out of LSU. Jones is a younger edge rusher with high upside, who could benefit from being thrust into a starting role as a rookie.
The draft picks do not matter as the Broncos will begin to have Super Bowl aspirations over the next few seasons, and at that point, they will want veterans rather than rookies. The Broncos with Williams are one of the most complete teams in the league, and with Sean Payton at the helm of it all, the possibilities for Williams are endless.
Williams is nearing the end of his contract, and the Lions already have a lot of money invested in Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph and others.
If they don’t want to pay Williams, they could save a lot of money and still add talent by making this trade. The Broncos should try to make a move before training camp to give Williams and Nix as much time as possible to build chemistry.
