The Detroit Lions are reportedly signing another defender off of someone else’s practice squad, this time poaching DL Jonah Williams from the Rams.
The Detroit Lions have been hit hard by the injury bug, especially in the front seven of the defense. After reportedly signing linebacker Kwon Alexander off the Denver Broncos practice squad earlier on Friday, the Lions are also raiding the Los Angeles Rams practice squad, reportedly signing defensive lineman Jonah Williams , per Tom Pelissero.
Williams signed with the Rams in 2020 as an undrafted free agent during Lions general manager Brad Holmes’ final year as the Rams director of college scouting—so it’s fair to say the Lions front office has a good read on what Williams’ capabilities are.
While Williams has bounced between the Rams and Vikings—three stints in L.A. and two in Minnesota—the majority of his on-field playing time has come with the Rams. Over his career, Williams has played in 48 games, starting 22, including being a full-time starter with the Rams in 2023. This season, he began his season with the Vikings, but he only played in one game (Week 2) before re-joining the Rams and playing another six.
Williams (6-foot-5, 275 pounds) has the range to play inside as well as on the edge, similar to current Lions players Levi Onwuzurike, Mekhi Wingo, and Pat O’Connor. This season he’s spent 41% of his snaps inside, with the remainder on the EDGE.
While he has shown limited abilities as a pass rusher—only three pressures in 2024, per Next Gen Stats—he is strong, can set the edge, and has shown the ability to be a solid tackler. He’ll likely be a depth option along the defensive line with the range to also contribute on special teams.