The Detroit Lions have been embroiled in endless speculation this offseason surrounding their star wide receiver Jameson Williams. Heading into his fourth season in Detroit after his breakout 2024 campaign, Williams' future has been much discussed due to the rising cost of elite pass-catchers. Many had speculated that the Lions may prefer to trade the former first-round pick now instead of giving him a massive contract extension that could make things difficult for the front office financially.
Detroit ended these speculations, at least for another year, when they exercised Williams' fifth-year option last week. They now have the flexibility to evaluate their team for another season and work out a deal with their elite deep ball threat in 2026.
Much to the joy of Lions fans, things seem to be good between their talented WR and the organization. MLive's Kory Woods reported from Game 4 between the Pistons and the Knicks and said that head coach Dan Campbell and Williams shared hugs and laughs, taking photos with the latter's family. Woods didn't share details about their conversation, but painted a very optimistic scene.
For the #Lions fans, Dan Campbell and Jameson Williams shared a hug, some daps and laughs immediately after the #Pistons game.
— Kory Woods (@KoryEWoods) April 27, 2025
Campbell was also taking pictures with Williams' family. I was close enough to hear the conversation and let's just say it's all good.
Dan Campbell and Jameson Williams End All Speculation Amid Offseason Drama
Lions GM Brad Holmes was previously non-committal about the idea of retaining Williams long-term. He had teased picking up the fifth-year option for the 24-year-old and revealed recently that they never actually considered trading Williams.
That doesn't mean, however, that they won't consider it in the 2026 offseason.
Detroit already made Kerby Joseph the highest-paid safety in the league and will likely make Aidan Hutchinson the second-highest-paid pass rusher in the league after Myles Garrett soon. Brian Branch, Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, and Sam LaPorta are all extension-eligible next year.
While the Lions would love to keep all of their key players, it may not be financially possible. Depending on how the 2025 Lions season goes, Williams may still find himself as the odd man out among this deep, talented, and expensive group.
For now, however, Williams and Campbell are seemingly looking forward to working together for at least another season.