The Detroit Lions' offseason has been largely defined by change, having replaced both lead coordinators while dealing with the disastrous playoff loss to the Washington Commanders while dealing with Super Bowl expectations.
It's fair to wonder if the Lions have already peaked, though that's unlikely with head coach Dan Campbell running the show alongside general manager Brad Holmes. These two have built a sustainable foundation,
Star WR Jameson Williams emerged as one of the offense's best playmakers in 2024, notching 1,001 yards at 17.3 yards per reception with seven TDs. Nonetheless, recent draft rumors seemingly suggest the Lions could draft a similar player in Texas WR Matthew Golden, which would make Williams expendable. As a result, one new blockbuster projected trade sees Detroit preparing for the future by getting a massive haul for Williams from an NFC rival.
Detroit Lions Send WR Jameson Williams to Dallas Cowboys in Surprise Projected Trade
In this projected deal, the Lions send Jameson Williams and their first-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for the No. 12 overall pick in the first round on top of the No. 76 pick in the third round. It'd be a stunning move, though there are reasons it would make sense for both sides.
The Lions already have a bonafide star at the position in Amon-Ra St. Brown. Williams has one year left on his deal in addition to a club option, after which he'll command a hefty salary. He's dealt with behavioral issues and multiple suspensions during his time in the NFL, so Detroit may not feel comfortable breaking the bank, particularly considering he has just one year with over 1,000 yards under his belt.
Do not be shocked if the Lions trade Jameson Williams during the 2025 NFL Draft, why, and what they could gethttps://t.co/t4pxROrQEc
— Mike Payton (@AtoZ_Payton) April 14, 2025
Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports pointed out that the Lions hosted Golden on a top-30 visit. Even if they needed to pull off another deal to get into position to snag Golden, Detroit may be targeting him to replace Williams. If that's the case, moving up to No. 12 to draft an elite talent like Georgia defenders Jalon Walker or Mykel Williams would make a lot of sense.
There's also the possibility that the Lions prefer someone like Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan at that spot, though they could let the draft fall to them while selling high on someone who has proven to be unreliable. If something like this were on the table, it'd be hard for Holmes to refuse.
For the Cowboys, they'd have someone to pair with CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott, pushing them back to the forefront of the conversation in the NFC East following a laughable 2024 season. It'd benefit both teams depending on how Detroit feels about Williams' future, yet it'd hurt to send him within the conference regardless.
It'll be interesting to see how active the Lions are on the trade front in the next few weeks. No matter what happens, no one should be surprised if they take a big swing.