Jameson Williams extension could come back to bite Lions

The Detroit Lions made one last move before their season kicked off against the Green Bay Packers, and it was a big one. Detroit solidified its receiver corps for years to come on Saturday, re-signing wide receiver Jameson Williams to a lucrative three-year extension worth up to $83 million.

Alongside All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown, Williams gives Jared Goff an explosive receiving duo that should keep the passing game humming. After posting his first 1,000-yard campaign in 2024, the 24-year-old proved that the Lions didn't make a mistake selecting him 12th overall in 2022. 

With so much of the team's core due for new contracts in the next two offseasons, though, it was unexpected for Williams to come first.

Detroit still has offensive stars to pay

Williams' talent is undeniable, but it's difficult to argue that his presence is more important than some other young names in the Lions' offense.

Sam LaPorta took a step back after a phenomenal rookie season in 2023. The former second-rounder does more than just catch passes, though, often involving himself in Detroit's dirty work on the offensive line. Still, he managed 726 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as one of the NFL's premier tight ends.

LaPorta isn't slated to hit free agency until 2026. If he takes another stride as expected, his price tag won't be getting any cheaper.

Perhaps the most vital talent in the Lions' offense, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, will also be due for an extension. He has a club option in 2027, meaning Detroit has time to decide on his future. But after earning a pair of Pro Bowl nods in his first two seasons, Gibbs hasn't given the Lions much to ponder.

Star wide receivers, while valuable, are often more prominent in drafts than tight ends and running backs. Neither LaPorta nor Gibbs are replaceable talents for Detroit. But with Williams now locked in through the 2029 season, the Lions could be forced to relinquish one as a cap casualty.

Defensive stars, too

Detroit was able to battle its way back into the NFL Playoffs in 2023 thanks to an influx of young talent on both sides of the ball.

Soon, the franchise will see firsthand why it's so hard to sustain championship-caliber rosters.

The Lions have skill players to pay and an offensive line to rebuild after center Frank Ragnow's retirement. However, the team must also find a way to retain its defensive standouts.

Defensive Player of the Year candidate Aidan Hutchinson could receive a record-breaking extension in the coming months. Meanwhile, star safety Brian Branch is also in store for a new deal that won't come cheap.

Detroit will have to work some magic just to keep most of the team's top young talent. Retaining them all is likely out of the question. 

Most would have expected Williams to be the odd man out in a group filled with potentially generational production. Instead, he is the first to re-sign with Detroit long-term.

The Lions made their priorities clear with Williams' extension. But the franchise could come to regret that decision when a more important piece departs for a new city.