Big name could be missing from Lions training camp (and it's not who you think)

The Detroit Lions, like just about every other team with a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, are expecting their selection to sit out the early stages of training camp due to contract negotiations that are currently befalling everyone not named Jayden Higgins or Carson Schwesinger.

Projected starting right guard Tate Ratledge has not signed his rookie contract. Rather than agreeing to a partily (albeit mostly) guaranteed contract like most second-rounders, Ratledge and the others are seeking the fully guaranteed deals Higgins and Schwesinger received.

While the Lions are likely expecting Ratledge to miss some time as this situation gets resolved, there could be another holdout that upsets the apple cart. Wide receiver Jameson Williams is going to be eyeing a big payday after some recent NFL news.

The New York Jets agreeing to a contract with star wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who is also a member of the 2025 NFL Draft class, was certainly seen by Williams and his team. It might not be unrealistic if he decides not to show up, all while asking for a deal that is close to what Wilson received (even if he doesn't earn $32.5 million per year).

Lions WR Jameson Williams could hold out after Garrett Wilson contract

After looking inept in his first two seasons in the pros, Williams exploded for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns. This comes in an offense with two 1,000-yard rushers that was often chewing clock while also competing with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta for targets.

Williams asking for $30 million per year might be a bit rich, especially since that is almost exactly what the superior Amon-Ra St. Brown received in his most recent contract extension, but it's hard to envision a world in which his hypothetical price tag is less than $25 million per season.

The gap between Williams and backups like Tim Patrick and rookie Isaac TeSlaa could help him put the screws to a Lions team that is fresh off losing some big names from both their coaching staff and roster in the offseason. Holding out would be an even more dramatic way to make a point.

Williams has the potential to make a chaotic Lions offseason even noisier if he wants his new deal taken care of as soon as possible. Given how their books look right now, there is some genuine concern related to Brad Holmes' willingness to lock Williams up.