Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams finally played up to his potential last year, and the team could trade him while his value is high. A first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft , the Alabama product missed most of his rookie season while recovering from a torn ACL. He then missed six games in 2023 thanks to a gambling suspension and only recorded 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns in his 12 active games. Fortunately, he put his struggles behind him in 2024, finishing the season with 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns on 91 targets.
Williams is still on a rookie contract, which means he’s relatively affordable, but his salary will jump in 2026. His fifth-year option carries a $15.49 million financial obligation, which is a lot to pay when fellow receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown already receives over $30 million per year. Because of this, Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer believes Detroit could trade Jameson Williams during the NFL Draft, and he should have no shortage of interested suitors.
REPORT: Lions Could Trade Jameson Williams During 2025 NFL Draft
Possible Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots have their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye, but must do something to make his life easier. While the team upgraded the offensive line with right tackle Morgan Moses and center Garrett Bradbury , they must find more reliable pass-catchers. Jameson Williams would easily be the most dangerous player in this offense, and the trade candidate’s ability to stretch the field should pair perfectly with Maye’s rocket arm. New England leads the league in cap space, so they should be able to afford his 2026 cap hit and eventual extension.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have three second-year players who showed some promise: Xavier Legette , Jalen Coker, and Ja’Tavion Sanders. While all three could improve in 2025, there’s no guarantee they’ll work out as long-term options. Even if they do, none of them have Williams’ elite speed and ability to turn every reception into a massive play. Bryce Young looked like the real deal down the stretch, so now it’s time for Carolina to build an offense to take advantage of his rookie contract window.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have one good wide receiver in second-round pick Ladd McConkey . While that may be enough to get this team to the playoffs, they need more firepower to compete with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills. Jameson Williams and his downfield ability perfectly complement McConkey’s role as a possession receiver, and a trade would give Justin Herbert one of the most dangerous receiving duos in football.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens have a group of well-rounded receivers, but they don’t have anyone who can take the top off a defense. The team never found a proper replacement for Marquise Brown, and Jameson Williams could easily fill that role in a trade. With an MVP-caliber quarterback in Lamar Jackson, Williams could be the missing piece to finally get this team over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – Imagn Images
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