A Potential Buccaneers-Lions Trade Could Supercharge Tampa Bay’s Offense
As the NFL Draft draws near, most teams are zeroed in on prospects, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers might want to shift their focus to a potential trade already brewing within the league.
Per a report from veteran NFL insider Albert Breer, there’s speculation that the Detroit Lions could be open to parting ways with wide receiver Jameson Williams. The Bucs, who are known to be in the market for a dynamic, speedy pass-catcher, might find Williams to be the ideal fit.
Williams Brings the Speed Tampa Bay Needs
Williams had an impressive 2024 campaign, finishing with 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s known for his game-breaking speed, even though he never ran the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine due to a prior ACL injury. Despite that, he remains one of the league’s fastest players—evident when he hit 20.45 MPH on a play in Week 14 against the Packers, one of the top speeds recorded all season.
He tied for the league lead with five receptions over 50 yards last season, sharing that stat with Terry McLaurin and Brian Thomas Jr., which underscores his explosiveness and deep-threat potential.
Williams has also shown his impact firsthand against the Bucs—across two games, he totaled seven receptions, 132 yards, and a touchdown.
A Dangerous WR Trio in the Making?
Tampa Bay already boasts a reliable receiving tandem in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. However, while both are proven playmakers, neither brings elite speed to the table. Evans dominates with size and contested catches, while Godwin thrives through crisp routes and yards after catch.
Jalen McMillan, taken in the third round last year, showed flashes as a rookie, but he doesn’t stretch the field like a true burner. Trey Palmer was expected to add speed after being drafted in the sixth round in 2023, but his 2024 performance left the Bucs searching for more firepower.
Enter Jameson Williams. Not only would he bring elite speed to the mix, but he might also be acquired for a relatively modest price—perhaps a second- or third-round pick, rather than a first-round selection, which the Bucs are reportedly eyeing for another speedster like Matthew Golden out of Texas. Golden clocked a blazing 4.29 in the 40, but Williams arguably plays even faster.
A Logical Trade Partner
Given Williams’ injury background and a recent two-game PED suspension, his market value may be lower than his talent suggests. That could play into Tampa’s hands, allowing them to swoop in at a discount. The two franchises also have a recent trade history, having struck a deal last offseason that sent Carlton Davis to Detroit in exchange for the 92nd overall pick, which was used to draft McMillan.
Still only 24, Williams has room to grow and could become a core part of the Bucs’ offense for years to come—if they’re bold enough to make the move.
While it’s not a lock that Tampa Bay will pursue this trade, the potential is thrilling. Pairing Williams with Evans and Godwin would instantly give the Buccaneers one of the most electrifying receiving trios in the league
