The Detroit Lions haven't been involved in many trade rumors this offseason, but just ahead of the Draft, an intriguing nugget surfaced regarding the future of wide receiver Jameson Williams. It was speculated Williams could be on the trading block given the Lions have a decision to make about not only his fifth-year option, but a potential lucrative contract extension down the line. Rumor had it the Lions had even entertained those talks with teams before this year's draft.
General manager Brad Holmes was asked about that conjecture in a press conference early Friday morning. As he explained, those hypothetical trade talks never happened, and weren't something which was even on the radar of the front office or coaching staff.
"No, that's something that we have never entertained. I don't know where that report came from, but that's not a conversation that me and Dan (Campbell) have ever had."
Entering next season, there was no need for the Lions to move on from Williams unless they received a king's ransom in return. The clock is ticking on his long-term future, but that doesn't mean much for the short-term. With an open Super Bowl window, the Lions need to keep all their proven offensive weaponry. Having Williams around only makes the franchise better for 2025.
Lions refuse to entertain a possible Jameson Williams trade
In the aftermath of the rumors, many wondered if Williams had checked out completely from the Lions. A few cryptic social media clues that were unearthed had folks concerned. Those assertions were proven as false as the trade rumors in the end.
The commentary from Holmes quickly backed up what had already been witnessed at Lions practice this week. With players gathering in Allen Park, Williams was in town and working on the field with his teammates, even spotted sporting a smile in a photo.
That image certainly doesn't paint the picture of a player who is frustrated with his franchise, or looking for a way out. It's safe to say pictures tell a thousand words about where Williams is at right now. He's continuing to work hard with his teammates, and the franchise isn't dangling him for draft picks in the meantime.
All in all, that is fantastic news for the Lions. With this drama effectively squashed, they can work on filling in the rest of their roster gaps in the remaining rounds of the draft.
