Jameson Williams is being linked with a sensational trade ahead of the NFL Draft.
The electric Detroit Lions wideout is entering the final year of the $17,461,790 rookie deal he signed after being taken with the 12th overall pick in 2022.
GettyWilliams scored a career-high seven TDs in 2024[/caption]
He enjoyed the first 1,000-yard season of his turbulent NFL career in 2024 and the Lions will soon have to make a decision over whether to take up his fifth-year option, which would cost $15.49million.
Sports Illustrated reporter Albert Breer wrote that ‘some in NFL circles’ believe Williams is in line to be traded as Detroit looks to improve a roster that fell to the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round.
The speedster took to his Instagram Stories to issue an immediate and cryptic reaction.
“Loyalty b4 any n everything,” Williams wrote on his Instagram story.
“Stay sucka free,” he later added before writing “If you scared to pick a side don’t play the middle just get all the way out the way… No faking.”
Lions fans discussed the messages on X and hoped Williams was referring to off-field relationships rather than his employers.
The 24-year-old’s talent began to shine through last season after an ACL injury suffered in college and two suspensions disrupted the start of his pro career.
General manager Brad Holmes is a fan and suggested the Lions would ‘most likely’ exercise his fifth-year option when quizzed by reporters at the NFL’s annual meetings in March.
“He was a tremendous player for us last year,” Holmes said. “I just think it just makes sense for us to do what we can to keep him around.”
The Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears over the offseason and replaced him with former Denver Broncos passing game coordinator John Morton.
He worked under Johnson in 2022 and is expected to retain much of his predecessor’s scheme as head coach Dan Campbell looks to ensure quarterback Jared Goff is comfortable.
“The system was kind of built from the ground up, and it was to help him [Goff] and for him to be a part of,” Campbell said.
“And so, yeah, that’s huge, he’ll have a lot of input. What he says is going to have a — says a lot to me.
“Now, is it going to be the ultimate decision? No, it’s not, but what he says is going to mean a lot to me.”
Morton says his past relationship with Goff will help him hit the ground running.
“I think it’s big because it all starts with the quarterback,” Morton said. “Just kind of knowing him.
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“When I was here, I was in the quarterback room. So, I have a feel of what he likes, what he doesn’t. That’s important as a play-caller.
“We’ll continue here when the players come back and stuff, so I’ll get to know more about him and the plays that he really likes a lot and what they’ve been doing good here.”
The Lions suffered several huge injuries down the stretch and ultimately ran out of steam.
But the roster is built to contend and it sounds like Campbell wants more of the same, not a complete overhaul.
That would suggest that Williams stays in town with his ability to stretch the field a major reason why Amon-Ra St. Brown often finds himself in so much space.
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