Jameson Williams has had a rocky run since joining the Detroit Lions three seasons ago, missing much of his rookie year due to injury and combining flashes of brilliance with off-field issues in the two seasons that followed.
As he enters the 2025 campaign, Williams faces an uncertain path. The Lions exercised his fifth-year option, but have yet to offer a long-term deal. However, one insider thinks this could be a breakout year for the explosive receiver, giving him a chance to solidify his value and earn a big contract extension.
Williams has run into trouble the past two seasons, first getting a six-game suspension in 2023 for violating the NFL’s gambling policy, then drawing a four-game suspension last season for using a banned performance enhancer.
Despite these setbacks, the Lions have continued to back him, with head coach Dan Campbell often praising his growth on and off the field. On the gridiron, Williams delivered his best performance in 2024, hauling in 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and scoring seven touchdowns.
His momentum has carried into the offseason, with team reporter Tim Twentyman labeling him the “X-factor” for Detroit heading into 2025.
“In spring practices, the top player I watched for the Lions was Jameson Williams,” Twentyman reported. “He’s bulked up, looks sharp, and is making plays at all levels of the field—short, intermediate, and deep.”
Twentyman also predicted Williams will be a key piece in new offensive coordinator John Morton’s system.
“Detroit has a lot of playmakers and only one football, but I expect John Morton to find ways to get Williams into open space,” he said. “With his speed and improved route running, that should be easy to accomplish.”
“After recording 1,001 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if he tops those numbers in 2025—as long as he stays healthy. That kind of production would open things up for St. Brown, LaPorta, and Gibbs, making the Lions’ air attack one of the toughest to defend in the league.”
Though Twentyman remains optimistic, some analysts think the Lions are nearing a pivotal moment with Williams. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine named him Detroit’s top trade candidate entering the 2025 season as he reviewed team needs league-wide.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press also noted the Lions may wait and let Williams’ performance guide their decision on a future extension or possible departure after his fifth-year option expires.
“There’s no extension coming soon for Williams, and the Lions may be wise to hold off on a big-money deal,” Birkett wrote. “Given how shaky his NFL resume is so far, the smartest strategy might be to play it slow and see what he does this season.”
