As the Detroit Lions prepare for the offseason, one key decision is at the top of their to-do list: whether or not to pick up Jameson Williams’ fifth-year option by May 1. The 2022 first-round pick has had a rough start to his NFL career, but after a standout 2024 season, he’s put himself in prime position for a long-term commitment from the Lions.
Jameson Williams’ breakout year: Why Lions should keep him
After battling injuries and missing key development time early in his career, Williams finally broke out in 2024. He racked up a career-high 1,001 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, proving himself as a vital weapon in Detroit’s high-powered offense. With his game-changing speed and explosive plays, Williams quickly became a key contributor in the Lions’ playoff push.
While the Lions have expressed confidence in their young receiver, off-field issues still loom. Williams has faced multiple suspensions, including one for gambling and another for performance-enhancing drugs. A run-in with police during the 2024 season raised further concerns. However, the Lions’ front office has shown continued support for the 24-year-old, a clear sign of their belief in his potential.
Fifth-Year option for Jameson Williams: Worth the investment?
The Lions’ decision to pick up Williams’ fifth-year option could be a game-changer. Estimated at $15.4 million for the 2026 season, it’s a significant investment. However, with Detroit’s current cap space projected at just $5.3 million for that year, they’ll need to weigh the long-term benefits.
General Manager Brad Holmes has indicated that the Lions are leaning toward exercising Williams' fifth-year option, emphasizing that there’s more potential to unlock in the young receiver. With his impressive breakout performance in 2024, it's clear that picking up the option could be a wise move. Committing to Williams would further cement his position as a key player in Detroit's offensive future.
Also Read:
Miami Dolphins veteran Terron Armstead nearing retirement—How Miami plans to fill void?As the deadline approaches, one thing is clear: Jameson Williams has the potential to be a major force in Detroit for years to come. Whether or not the Lions pick up his option, they’ll be keeping a close eye on his development as they aim to build a championship-caliber team.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap. The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the ...
Read MoreThe TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide.
From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more.
The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics.
We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects.
We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.
UP NEXT