Although Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams had a breakout season in 2024, it wasn’t entirely without setbacks.

He was suspended for two games in October for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy, and soon after, news broke about a traffic stop where an unregistered gun was found.

Williams was not charged in connection with the police incident, and no NFL discipline has followed. Throughout this period, Dan Campbell has supported Williams, emphasizing his undeniable progress in his third season.

Now, the Lions face a significant decision. First-round picks from the 2022 draft have fifth-year options that must be exercised by May 1. The Lions could also offer Williams (and/or Aidan Hutchinson) a contract extension, which would make the fifth-year option unnecessary.

There is a case for the Lions simply exercising Williams’ fifth-year option for 2026 and assessing the situation next season. Signing him to a long-term extension is not as certain as it is with Hutchinson.

This week, along with the NFL and NFLPA confirming the 2025 salary cap, the costs of fifth-year options for 2022 first-round picks were finalized. There are playing time and accolade criteria (such as Pro Bowl selections) in the first three seasons that can increase the value of a fifth-year option, but Williams doesn’t meet any of them.

Thus, Williams is eligible for the “basic” fifth-year option for a wide receiver, set at $15.493 million. This amount is based on the average salary of the third to 25th highest salaries at the position over the last five seasons.

Had he been selected to the Pro Bowl last year, for example, his fifth-year option value would have risen to $21.441 million. Hutchinson’s fifth-year option, with one Pro Bowl selection, is valued at $19.872 million.

It is likely the Lions will exercise Williams’ fifth-year option before the May 1 deadline. After that, the focus will shift to whether they pursue a contract extension for him during the offseason.