Jameson Williams delivered a breakout season for the Detroit Lions in 2024, hauling in 58 passes for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns over 15 games, while also making an impact in the playoffs. As his rookie contract approached its final year, the Lions picked up his fifth-year option, keeping him under contract through 2026 at a projected salary of $15.49 million.
But things have taken a strange turn. Williams recently unfollowed the Lions on Instagram and shared some vague, cryptic posts, stirring up talk about trade rumors or possible friction with the team behind the scenes.
Raiders Rebuild Is Over — It’s Time to Win
The Las Vegas Raiders are stepping into 2025 with a bold new direction. After finishing 4-13, they hired Pete Carroll as head coach and traded for veteran quarterback Geno Smith.
On defense, they strengthened the lineup by signing Jeremy Chinn and Elandon Roberts, while also locking down key contributors like Maxx Crosby and Adam Butler with extensions. They overhauled the secondary with short-term deals, emphasizing flexibility and internal competition.
With Carroll and new general manager John Spytek leading the way, the Raiders have made it clear they’re pushing to win now. They’re building the roster with urgency and intent though they still need to address two key gaps: depth at cornerback and a reliable wide receiver.
Why Jameson Williams Is the Right Fit
The Raiders won’t land a true No. 1 receiver this late in the offseason unless they make a trade. While rookie wideouts Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. offer promise, the team needs someone with proven NFL experience and a more refined game.
Williams has finally started to show why Detroit drafted him in the first round out of Alabama he’s a legit deep threat with blazing speed. If the Lions focus their resources on other contract extensions, Williams might get pushed out of their plans. That gives Las Vegas a real shot to make a move.
A Seamless Fit in Chip Kelly’s Offense
Jameson Williams fits seamlessly alongside tight end Brock Bowers and wideout Jakobi Meyers. While Bowers and Meyers handle the short and intermediate routes, Williams stretches defenses vertically. That forces secondaries to stay honest and gives Geno Smith more room to attack deep, still one of his best traits. With Williams on the field, the entire offense opens up.
Chip Kelly gets a receiver who shifts coverages, forces safeties to back off, and wins one-on-ones outside the numbers. That’s the explosive threat Las Vegas has been missing.
The Missing Piece
The Raiders have already done the heavy lifting reshaping their culture, adding young talent, and surrounding the locker room with leaders. Now they need to finish the puzzle.
Williams checks every box. He fills a glaring need, brings Pro Bowl potential, and fits Pete Carroll’s aggressive mindset. Trading for him wouldn’t just improve the roster, it would send a message. The Raiders aren’t aiming to be respectable. They’re aiming to be a real problem.
