Jameson Williams shares what it means that Lions traded up for him
The Detroit Lions gave Jameson Williams a massive vote of confidence on Thursday night when they traded up in the 2022 NFL Draft to acquire the Alabama star. The franchise traded all the way up to No. 12 from No. 32 to get him, despite an ACL tear, which he’s still recovering from. The Lions gave up the 32nd, 34th and 66th picks to Minnesota for him, while receiving the No. 46 pick.
The new offensive weapon for the Lions described what it meant to him to get that vote of confidence on Saturday.
“It meant a lot, showing that they had faith in me, trust and everything,” Williams said in his introductory press conference. “We talked a bit earlier and we had an understanding that when I get back we’re going to get going.”
After the draft, Williams told reporters he’s planning to be ready in time for training camp, which starts in July. That would set the recovery at about six months after he suffered the injury in the national championship against Georgia in January.
“I should be ready to go by training camp,” Williams said, via ESPN’s Field Yates. “I’m shooting for training camp.”
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Details released for Jameson Williams’ rookie deal
Williams’ first contract with the Lions will keep him in Detroit for four years with a fifth-year option. The four-year deal is worth $17.4 million, which includes a $9.8 million signing bonus. The contract is fully guaranteed.
Williams played one season for the Crimson Tide and it changed the trajectory of his entire career. While in Columbus, he brought in just 15 receptions over two seasons with the Buckeyes. After transferring from Ohio State after two seasons, the 2019 top-100 prospect had a breakout season with the Crimson Tide in 2021.
He started all 15 games for Alabama this season, including the national title game against Georgia when he suffered that season-ending knee injury in the second quarter. In his 832 snaps, Williams brought in 79 receptions for a team-leading 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns.
A former four-star prospect per the On3 Consensus, he was the No. 87 overall player in his class and a top-20 prospect at his position coming out of Saint Louis (Mo.) Cardinal Ritter College Prep.