The Detroit Lions are taking a patient approach when it comes to wide receiver Jameson Williams’ contract extension. According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, there’s a strong case for the team to hold off on signing Williams to a long-term deal despite his breakout 2024 season.
While Williams proved he can be a top playmaker, off-field concerns and his relatively short track record are factors in Detroit’s cautious stance. He served a two-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drugs policy and had another off-field issue involving an unlicensed firearm. With his contract running through 2025, the Lions are expected to pick up his fifth-year option, keeping him under team control until 2026. This gives them time to evaluate his consistency before making a major financial commitment.
For now, the Lions have flexibility. They can either extend Williams down the road or use the franchise tag, much like the Bengals are doing with Tee Higgins. While his potential is undeniable, Detroit seems content to wait and see how things play out before making a long-term decision.