The time is coming for Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams to get a contract extension.
Williams had his fifth-year option picked up this offseason, which leaves him under contract through 2026.
However, if the Lions want to get him for as cheap as possible, they would be wise to get something done with Williams sooner rather than later, as the former first-round pick is ascending after a breakout year.
But Williams might have other ideas and could look to hold off until after the 2025 season, when he might be fresh off another big year that could garner him more money.
The Athletic's Colton Pouncy wondered aloud about the possibility of a 2026 trade if Williams and the Lions are far apart on numbers.
The Lions might not be able to afford Williams long term if he continues on his current trajectory. His contract runs through the 2026 season, so they have time. If he’s part of the core, an extension sooner rather than later makes sense. But if they’re far off on numbers, could a trade be on the horizon in 2026?
The Lions have done a fantastic job of keeping their homegrown talent, but at some point the team won't be able to afford every single draft pick it hits on.
With Williams, there's no doubt about his talent, but the Lions have to seriously weigh whether or not they want significant money wrapped up in two receivers, with the other being Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has a four-year, $120.01 million contract.
Williams has run into off-the-field issues multiple times during his career, which, combined with just one year of good production, makes giving him an extension right now risky.
If Williams and the Lions don't get something done this year and the Alabama product goes on to post better production than he did in 2025, Detroit could very well consider trading him in 2026 before Williams potentially walks in 2027.
