Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams took a major step forward during the 2025 NFL season, but the fourth-year playmaker believes there’s still room for improvement as he enters 2026.

Williams, who turns 25 this offseason, delivered the best campaign of his young career, finishing with 65 receptions for 1,117 receiving yards, both career highs. Despite the breakout production, the former first-round pick made it clear he’s focused on getting stronger this offseason.

Jameson Williams Says Strength Is His Top Priority

Speaking to reporters during the Lions’ locker room cleanout day, Williams was blunt about what he needs to improve.

“I want to get stronger for sure. That’s my main goal,” Williams said, via SI on Lions’ John Maakaron. “When I go through traffic on routes, I’m getting pushed over. I just need to be able to hold my weight a little bit.”

The Lions listed Williams at 6-foot-1, 182 pounds during the 2025 season. While his elite speed makes him one of the league’s most dangerous deep threats, added strength could help him win more consistently through contact without sacrificing explosiveness.

Why Added Strength Could Elevate Williams’ Game

Williams has been among the NFL’s leaders in yards per reception since entering the league in 2022. In 2025, he averaged 17.2 yards per catch, reinforcing his role as Detroit’s primary vertical weapon.

If Williams can add functional strength while maintaining his speed, it could unlock another level of his game—particularly on intermediate routes and in contested situations.

The Lions already have physical receivers in the room:

Amon-Ra St. Brown: 6-foot, 202 pounds

Isaac TeSlaa: 6-foot-4, 214 pounds (six touchdowns as a rookie)

Williams doesn’t need to become a power receiver, but even modest gains could make him more complete and harder to disrupt at the line or through traffic.

Lions’ Passing Game Poised for Growth in 2026

Detroit’s receiving corps is one of the team’s biggest strengths entering the 2026 offseason. Williams has now posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, averaging 17 yards per catch for his career.

While the Lions’ offense doesn’t need dramatic changes at wide receiver, internal growth—particularly from Williams—could make the passing attack even more dangerous.

Lions and Jameson Williams Eye a Bounce-Back Year

After winning 12 games in 2023 and 15 games in 2024, the Lions took a step back in 2025, finishing 8–9 and last in the NFC North. Injuries and inconsistency plagued the second half of the season.

Still, Williams believes the disappointing year can serve as motivation.

“It’s just fuel to the fire,” Williams said. “We’re going to come back with a chip on our shoulder and get done what we have to get done next year.”

While Detroit must address its offensive line and secondary this offseason, Williams’ commitment to improving his physicality could be another key factor in the Lions’ push to return to playoff contention in 2026.