Report: Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams ‘could be traded’

The Lions drafted Jameson Williams with the No. 12 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. While it’s been a mixed bag for the former Ohio State and Alabama star, it seems like the wide receiver could be on his way out of Detroit ahead of this week’s iteration of the event.

Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer named the biggest draft needs for each NFL team prior to Thursday’s 2025 NFL Draft. When he got to the reigning NFC North champions, he predicted wide receiver is a position to look out for.

“Receiver’s another spot to consider,” Breer wrote, regarding the Lions. “With a fifth-year option decision coming on Jameson Williams, and some in NFL circles believing he could be traded.”

While Williams has been a game-breaker at times, he hasn’t been consistent, and injuries have taken a toll on him. Perhaps the Lions will be looking for a fresh start at the position, instead of committing more time and money to the former first-rounder. While they likely won’t receive back what they paid, there’s sure to be a couple interested teams in the wide receiver.

All in all, Williams has played in 33 games during his three-year career with Detroit. He’s caught 83 passes for 1,396 yards and ten receiving touchdowns. His best season came last year, when he finally eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark.

While he hasn’t had to be the top option for the team’s offense, with a two-headed monster of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs at running back, and Amon-Ra St. Brown’s ascension, more has been expected of Williams, for sure. Perhaps the Lions believe the juice isn’t worth the squeeze, as he’s had his fair-share of off-field issues, as well.

Earlier this offseason, Lions general manager Brad Holmes told ESPN it was likely the team would exercise the fifth-year option for Williams. That hasn’t stalled the rumors though, and nothing is set in stone until a decision is made, one way or another.

“Look, it’s heading that way that we are most likely going to be doing that,” Holmes said at the annual league meeting. “He was a tremendous player for us last year.

“He’s still scratching the surface. I do think he’s got more in him as well, so I just think it just makes sense for us to do what we can to keep him around.”

All told, it’ll be interesting to see if we get an answer this week on Jameson Williams, and whether he remains with the Lions in the future. It’s evident a huge decision is on the docket for Detroit, and the wide receiver’s future is in flux at the moment though.