By Sunday 
A New Face, A New Question
When news broke that Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden met with the Detroit Lions for a pre-draft visit, the buzz wasn’t just about who might be joining the team—it was also about who might be leaving. Specifically, the visit raised eyebrows about the long-term future of Jameson Williams in Detroit.
Williams, the lightning-fast wideout who’s shown flashes of star potential, is likely to have his fifth-year option picked up. That would keep him in Honolulu blue through the 2026 season. But with the Lions entering a critical phase in their championship window, every roster decision matters—and the money math is looming large.
Drafting for the Future—or Replacing the Present?
As beat writer Dave Birkett noted, “In Golden, the Lions could find a more cost-controlled deep threat for their offense.” Translation? Golden might be a cheaper, younger alternative to Williams, allowing Detroit more financial flexibility to retain their budding stars on both sides of the ball.
It’s not just cap talk, either. With 2023 draft gems like Jack Campbell, Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Sam LaPorta all poised to demand long-term deals soon, the Lions’ front office needs to plan ahead. And finding savings at wide receiver could be part of that plan.
Trade Rumblings? Don’t Rule It Out
Things got even spicier thanks to A to Z Sports’ Mike Payton, who floated a bold scenario: “If the Lions were to take Golden with the 28th pick, they could then trade Williams and save a lot of money…” That money could help keep stars like Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, and others in Detroit for the long haul.
Now, let’s be clear—no one expects a Williams trade this year. Not with Detroit’s Super Bowl hopes as real as they’ve been in decades. But the fact that this is even a conversation says a lot about the team’s evolving priorities.
Long-Term Outlook: Tag or Trade?
Even if the Lions don’t move Williams now, the question lingers: what happens after 2026? One option could be the franchise tag, a strategy the Bengals used with Tee Higgins to buy more time for a long-term decision. It’s not ideal, but it’s an effective stopgap.
For now, Jameson is still in Detroit’s plans—but the clock may be ticking louder than fans realize.