The Detroit Lions traded up in the 2022 NFL Draft to select Alabama All-American Jameson Williams with the 12th overall pick. Over his first two seasons, Williams has posted 25 receptions for 395 yards, three touchdowns, and four rushing attempts for 69 yards and one touchdown in 18 regular-season games. However, after scoring two touchdowns in the Lions’ 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game for the 2023 season, Williams truly broke out in 2024. He recorded 58 receptions for 1,001 yards, seven touchdowns, and added 11 rushing attempts for 61 yards and one touchdown. Williams also had a memorable 61-yard touchdown run in Detroit’s 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders during the second round of the NFC playoffs on January 18.
Williams is entering the final year of his four-year, $17.462 million rookie contract. The Lions have three ways to secure his services beyond the 2025 season: negotiating a new contract before the current one expires, using the franchise tag in the upcoming offseason, or exercising his fifth-year option.
