TRADE STEAL: Buccaneers Acquire Lions’ Superstar WR in Blockbuster Proposed Deal

Tampa Bay is already on the hunt for a burner at wideout in the 2025 draft, but Williams could solve that need immediately. Despite past concerns related to injuries and off-field issues—possibly influencing Detroit’s willingness to move him—he offers elite speed that could elevate the Bucs’ offensive firepower.

Williams Could Bring the Speed Element Tampa Has Been Missing

In 2024, Williams hauled in 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven scores. His blazing speed constantly threatens defenses with game-breaking plays. While he missed the chance to clock an official 40-yard dash time due to a prior ACL injury, he has publicly claimed he could run in the 4.1s—a bold statement, though his in-game speed supports the hype.

In a Week 14 matchup versus the Packers, Williams hit a blazing 20.45 MPH on one play, the fastest recorded by any player that week, and among the top for the entire season.

He also led the league with five receptions of 50+ yards, sharing the honor with Brian Thomas Jr. of Jacksonville and Terry McLaurin of Washington. That level of explosiveness is hard to find.

Tampa Bay knows firsthand how dangerous he is—he’s already racked up 132 yards and a touchdown across two games against them.

Why Williams Makes Sense for the Bucs

Mike Evans and Chris Godwin headline the Bucs’ current receiver corps, but neither brings breakaway speed to the table. Evans relies on size and strength, while Godwin excels with precision and yards-after-catch skills.

The Bucs added Jalen McMillan in last year’s third round, and although he showed promise, speed isn’t his primary trait. Trey Palmer, a sixth-rounder from 2023 brought in to boost team speed, had a quiet 2024, leaving Tampa still searching for a legitimate speedster.

They’ve shown strong interest in Texas wideout Matthew Golden, a likely first-rounder in 2025 who ran a blazing 4.29 40-yard dash. Yet, Williams might be even faster—and more importantly, won’t require giving up a first-round pick.

Given his injury history and a recent suspension for PEDs, Williams’ trade value isn’t sky-high. Detroit may struggle to get top compensation, which could work in Tampa’s favor. A second- or third-round pick might be enough to get a deal done—picks the Bucs are already considering using on a receiver.

The Bucs and Lions already have a trading history, having completed a deal just last offseason. Tampa shipped cornerback Carlton Davis to Detroit, who used that pick to draft—ironically—Jalen McMillan.

Still just 24 years old, Williams could be a long-term fit in Tampa’s offense if they decide to pull the trigger.

Though this trade is far from guaranteed, imagining a receiving group with Evans, Godwin, and Williams is enough to excite any Buccaneers fan. That trio could instantly become one of the league’s most feared.