A new rumor suggests the Detroit Lions are close to finalizing a contract extension for Jameson Williams, but doing so this offseason would be a misstep.
While the Detroit Lions have shown restraint in spending on external additions this offseason, it’s been widely expected they’ll reward their own stars in 2025.
Kerby Joseph is the latest player to cash in, as his new contract made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
Aidan Hutchinson has long been considered due for an extension this offseason, but surprisingly, that hasn’t materialized yet.
Now, another prominent name on the roster could be in line to finalize his extension before Hutchinson does.
Williams had a breakout campaign last season, recording 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns.
But it came after two underwhelming seasons to start his pro career.
As a rookie, he had only one catch for 41 yards in six games. In year two, he improved but still totaled just 24 catches for 354 yards.
After exercising Williams’ fifth-year option, the Lions still have him under team control for two seasons. That gives them the chance to further evaluate him rather than rewarding a single strong season with a long-term contract.
They also have other players on the roster who arguably deserve extensions ahead of him.
Hutchinson is the most pressing, and his eventual deal is likely to be costly.
Next are Brian Branch and Sam LaPorta, whose rookie contracts expire when Williams’ does—but who have proven more early on.
Jahmyr Gibbs will also be eligible for a new deal in a few years.
All of them would likely offer more value than a WR2 with just one breakout season behind him.
There’s also the question of the wide receiver move Detroit already made this offseason.
If they were truly planning to extend Williams, why did they spend heavily to land Isaac TeSlaa? Did they really trade three third-round picks for someone who might top out as their WR3? Is that role worth the cost?
If that was the intention for TeSlaa, it feels like an inefficient use of assets.
The more sensible move would be to let Williams play out another season, hope his value rises, and look to trade him in 2026.
Balancing the roster financially gets tricky if the Lions extend Williams while also keeping their foundational stars under contract.
That’s especially relevant after investing draft capital into a young wideout already.
If Detroit insists on giving Williams a new deal, they should wait and see how he performs in 2025.
With his inconsistent production so far, locking him up now isn’t likely to come with any major discount.
At some point, the Lions will need to make tough financial decisions to retain their core talent. Williams is the logical one to let go—and not someone they should rush to re-sign this summer.
