It’s NFL Draft season, which means trade talk is heating up—and suddenly, Detroit Lions wideout Jameson Williams is in the spotlight.
A recent article by Mike Payton of A to Z Sports proposed a trade scenario that sends Williams to the Jacksonville Jaguars, opening up salary cap space and potentially replacing him in the draft with Texas receiver Matthew Golden.
Speculation began when the Lions brought in Golden, one of the 2025 class’s fastest prospects, for a top-30 visit. Golden posted a blistering 4.29-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and is regarded as one of this year’s premier vertical threats.
Golden has drawn comparisons to Williams for his raw speed and ceiling—but with fewer concerns about route precision and off-field behavior.
As for Williams, he’s entering Year 3 in the league after showing major promise in 2024. He became one of the NFL’s premier deep threats, catching long passes from Jared Goff and becoming essential in Ben Johnson’s system. But he does come with baggage—a 2023 gambling ban and a November incident involving a concealed gun, which led to a team investigation.
Those concerns have faded, but they’re not entirely forgotten.
At the March NFL league meetings, GM Brad Holmes said the team is leaning toward picking up Williams’ fifth-year option. If he keeps progressing, a future extension could run the Lions $30 million annually.
That’s doable in theory. But Detroit has a roster stacked with young talent who will soon need big paydays.
Payton argues that dealing Williams now could help Detroit avoid a massive financial gamble and preserve their core group moving forward.
Let’s be honest: Payton’s article is designed to stir conversation, and that’s totally fair. But in terms of real football logic, it’s highly unlikely the Lions move Williams before or during the 2025 Draft.
Williams broke through in 2024, proving to be a true difference-maker for Detroit. He opened up the field, eased pressure on Amon-Ra St. Brown, and gave Goff a vertical weapon he could trust. And crucially, he did it while still on his rookie deal.
The Lions won’t move that kind of value—not while chasing a Super Bowl and benefiting from Williams’ current cap hit. But a year from now? That could be a different story. That’s when I believe the Lions will trade Jamo.
If a big extension looks unlikely and Golden (or another young receiver) is developing, a 2026 deal could be the smart move. But until then, it feels more hypothetical than real.
Jameson Williams is staying put—for now. While draft-week rumors are fun, the Lions are locked in on winning. And with Williams ascending, moving him in 2025 would be a real surprise.
