Reports indicate that the Detroit Lions and their receiver, Jameson Williams, have come to terms on a three-year contract extension that could potentially reach $83 million.
NFL expert Jordan Schultz reports that the agreement includes $67 million in guaranteed money.
Williams, who is 24 years old, was heading into the final year of his initial rookie contract, with an option for a fifth year. He is coming off a strong 2024 season, where his receiving yards nearly tripled his previous best.
The former Ohio State and Alabama player surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time, scoring eight touchdowns across 15 regular-season games. This was three more games than he played the prior year and nine more than in his rookie season in 2022.
This agreement with Williams is the latest in a series of contract extensions the Lions have made over the past two offseasons. He joins quarterback Jared Goff, wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, offensive tackle Penei Sewell, offensive tackle Taylor Decker, safety Kerby Joseph, and defensive tackle Alim McNeill, who have all received long-term commitments from the team.
Despite his on-field success this past season, Williams has faced challenges off the field since joining the league. After missing a significant portion of his rookie season due to recovery from an ACL injury sustained at Alabama, he received a four-game suspension in 2023 for violating NFL gambling policies. In 2024, Williams was suspended for an additional two games for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
While Williams has not yet played a complete 17-game regular season, he has provided the Lions with a level of offensive explosiveness that they value.
Williams is known for his ability to stretch the field and his versatility as a playmaker. Last season, he averaged 17.3 yards per catch. He also added 61 rushing yards and one touchdown during the regular season.
In his most recent game, he displayed his agility and athleticism on a 61-yard touchdown run on a trick play, which, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats, involved covering a total of 122.6 yards.
That highlight-reel play, although occurring in an NFC divisional-round defeat to the Washington Commanders, showcased his game-changing speed, a trait that has been evident since his first career reception, which was a 41-yard touchdown.
This offseason, Williams changed his jersey number from No. 9 to No. 1. With a new number and a new contract, he aims to continue challenging defenses in 2025.
