Lions analyst says quiet part out loud about Jameson Williams' extension

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams was the subject of a few trade rumors this offeason, but they were just that - rumors. Even Lions GM Brad Holmes was adamant about the team's dedication to Williams in the offseason, explaining that he didn't even know where those rumblings had come from.

Regardless, it's obvious that rather than a trade, the biggest move to get done with Williams will be getting an extension on the table for the playmaker to sign. It's going to be one of the major priorities for this Lions front office as they look to lock in their core for the forseeable future.

Sports Illustrated's Christian Booher laid out what he thinks Williams' extension could look like considering his ceiling, and in short, the team is looking at a deal better than what players like Deebo Samuel and Terry McLaurin, according to Booher, had received: Three-year, $75 million contract with two additional void years.

Writer predicts decent deal for Williams

Williams is going to be a free agent in 2027, so Detroit can lock him down longterm soon in order to prevent any number of suitors from snatching him away from the Lions. Given that he was the second-most common target for Jared Goff in 2024 and would've been a WR1 on any other team in the NFL if not for Amon-Ra St. Brown, he's going to be due a payday.

Booher writes that: "Forecasting the official figures of Williams' potential extension is tricky, as the wideout has had one big season after his first two campaigns were inhibited by suspensions and injuries. However, the Lions have stuck by Williams throughout his adversity and have spoke glowingly about his potential for the upcoming season."

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Williams, as Booher also notes, hasn't even hit his ceiling yet. Given that his first few seasons were stopped short due to injury and mishaps off the field, he's only beginning to hit his stride as the WR2 for this team. If his 2024 season is any indication, he's about to have an even greater 2025 season with more consistency playing with Goff and St. Brown under his belt.

This payday would be completely justified if he has a season similar to 2024 - or even better than that. But, it'll all come down to whether the Lions are open to taking a gamble on him improving prior to a few of their key fifth-year option candidates coming up on that point in their deals.

Williams is one of a few players that head coach Dan Campbell called out as impressing staff during OTAs this offseason, which just goes to show that he's not satisfied with having just one great year under his belt with Detroit.