Back in late-March at the NFL league meetings, Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes confirmed wide receiver Jameson Williams would have his fifth-year option picked up. But on the topic of a contract extension for Williams, in light of other contract business that's on the docket, Holmes was far more vague.
"In terms of extensions, again, there's a lot of extensions that are hopefully coming, but it's just one that you don't know what's gonna happen from a financial standpoint," Holmes said. "Because a wide receiver is very expensive. Look, these are good problems to have."
To his credit, Williams took a big step in 2024. He became a more complete receiver, and showed better maturity as he topped 1,000 yards for the first time. But there were still some hiccups, with a performance-enhancing substance suspension, a gun incident for which he was not charged and multiple fines for touchdown celebrations. Eliminating that "extra stuff" on and off the field will be the driving force for him getting the kind of second contract he'd like.
Heading into April's draft, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated brought up the possibility of Williams being traded in two separate articles. A move didn't happen, of course, and as expected Holmes said trading Williams was never on the radar.
The offseason hype around Williams has been at fever pitch this offseason, with some people expecting another step up in production this season. Picking up his fifth-year option gives the Lions some time to figure out how Williams fits into their future, but it also gives him time to continue his upward trajectory and increase his market value.
Trade speculation around Jameson Williams is lurking and unavoidable
The Athletic rounded up their NFL beat writers to outline one player contract worth watching for each team. Williams was likely the most obvious candidate for Lions' beat writer Colton Pouncy, and he nicely outlined the extent of the situation.
"Williams’ time in Detroit has been a roller coaster — including a gambling suspension,a performance-enhancing substance suspension and a gun incident that was dropped. However, everything started to come together for Williams last season. He had 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns in a loaded Detroit offense. Coaches have raved about him this offseason, though Lions GM Brad Holmes paused a bit when discussing his future with the team. 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?"
It's not out of the question to have two very highly-paid wide receivers. But Holmes has already acknowledged how paying Williams could have an impact on the rest of the roster, and the way the Cincinnati Bengals do contract business isn't something that should be emulated.
Pouncy did not suggest trading Williams is imminent, or that it's necessarily likely. But it is a lingering possibility, and it could become a serious conversation next offseason if contract negotiations aren't going well.
