Jameson Williams has endured a difficult tenure since joining the Detroit Lions three years ago, losing most of his rookie season with an injury and mixing brilliant play with off-the-field troubles in the last two years.
Williams heads into the 2025 season facing a tenuous future, with the Lions picking up his fifth-year option but not yet committing to a long-term contract. One insider believes this could be a breakout year for the speedy wide receiver, giving him the chance to prove his long-term worth and eventually getting a big extension.
Jameson Williams Gets Good Grade for Spring Practices
Williams has seen some trouble over the last two years, being handed a six-game suspension for violating the league’s gambling rules in 2023 and another four-year suspension last year for a performance-enhancing drug violation.
The team has stuck by Williams, with head coach Dan Campbell regularly sharing praise for his growth both on and off the field, and the former Alabama receiver has delivered on the field. Williams had a career-best season in 2024, making 58 catches for 1,001 yards with seven touchdowns.
He continues to impress, with reporter Tim Twentyman of the team’s official website calling Williams the “X-factor” for the 2025 season.
“The best player I saw on the field for the Detroit Lions over the spring was fourth-year wide receiver Jameson Williams,” Twentyman wrote. “He’s looked great. He’s added some muscle to his frame and was making plays in the short, intermediate and deep parts of the field.”
Twentyman predicted that Williams could have the chance to shine even more under new offensive coordinator John Morton.
“There’s a lot of weapons in Detroit and only one football to go around, but I see new offensive coordinator John Morton really focused on getting Williams in space,” Twentyman wrote. ‘That’s a pretty easy task with his speed and the gains he’s made in his route running and expanded route tree.
“Williams had 1,001 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns last season and I could see him significantly improving on those numbers in 2025 if he stays healthy. That would open so much space for Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta and Gibbs and really make this Lions passing attack one of the most difficult to contain in the NFL.”
Lions Could Face Decision on Jameson Williams
While Twentyman offered an optimistic outlook for Williams this season, other insiders believe the team could be reaching a key decision point on the wide receiver. Bleacher Reportâs Alex Ballentine broke down needs for all 32 NFL teams and put Williams as the top trade candidate heading into the 2025 season.
Detroit Free Press reporter Dave Birkett also suggested the Lions could be watching Williams closely this season, letting his play determine whether he earns a long-term deal or leaves at the conclusion of his fifth-year option.
âNo deal is imminent for Williams and the Lions, and thereâs a case to be made the Lions should hold off on signing their young receiver to a big-money extension,â Birkett wrote. âBut given Williamsâ limited and questionable NFL track record so far, the most prudent approach from the team is to slow-play a new deal.â
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