Jameson Williams was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 12th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, offering a glimpse into the team’s ambitions for their offense in the future. The Lions, long known for their struggles to find consistent offensive firepower, had high hopes for the wide receiver from Alabama. With his combination of elite speed, explosive athleticism, and deep-threat potential, Williams was seen as the missing piece in the Lions’ offensive puzzle. But despite the promise, his career thus far has been a rollercoaster, and that leads to a difficult question: Should the Lions extend Williams long-term?
To answer that question, we must first take a look at what Williams has done on the field, assess his potential in the Lions’ offense, and then weigh the factors of injury, consistency, and the overall trajectory of the franchise. The key question the Lions need to answer is whether or not Williams can meet his potential, and if that potential is worthy of a long-term investment.
After a highly successful collegiate career at Alabama, Williams entered the NFL with enormous expectations. The former Crimson Tide star was expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL, especially after his performance in Alabama’s championship-caliber offense. His dazzling displays on the field included blazing fast 40-yard dash times and impressive deep ball skills, marking him as one of the top receiving talents in his draft class. However, Williams’ rookie season with the Lions was marred by injury and inconsistency, casting some doubt on his ability to quickly transition to the professional level.
Williams missed the first part of his rookie season due to a torn ACL suffered during the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship. His absence was felt keenly as the Lions struggled to develop their offense without a deep threat. However, once Williams returned to the field, his potential became undeniable. Even in a limited role, he showcased his game-breaking speed on several occasions, with highlight-reel catches that made opposing defenses nervous. His debut for the Lions against the Minnesota Vikings was a clear statement that he had the tools to become a game-changer in the NFL. His ability to stretch the field, coupled with the Lions’ emerging offensive line and running game, gave Detroit a new dimension on offense.
Despite the flashes of brilliance, Williams’ 2022 season was far from perfect. He caught only one touchdown and posted a modest total of 413 receiving yards in 9 games. But considering his rookie status, along with the challenges he faced in terms of getting acclimated to the NFL and overcoming his injury, the lack of production was understandable. More concerning, however, was his inconsistency. Williams would go through stretches where he struggled to get open or could not fully take advantage of the opportunities presented to him. Some of this can be attributed to the Lions’ still-developing offense, but it is clear that Williams’ chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff has not yet reached the level necessary to unlock his full potential.
Despite the bumps in the road, there’s a lot to be excited about when considering Williams’ future with the Lions. His speed is rare, and his ability to change the game with one play is something that very few wide receivers in the league can offer. Detroit has been in need of a player like Williams for years—a true deep threat who can keep defenses honest and open up running lanes for the offense. His big-play ability makes him a key weapon for the Lions moving forward, and given the way NFL offenses are evolving, having a receiver who can stretch the field is more valuable than ever. With Jared Goff playing some of his best football in recent years and the offense looking more potent than it has in decades, the addition of Williams could be the final piece of the puzzle that could take the Lions to the next level.
But potential alone does not guarantee success, and the question remains whether Williams is worth a long-term extension. There are several key factors that need to be considered in making this decision.
First, there is the injury factor. Williams has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, dating back to his college days. The torn ACL that caused him to miss most of his rookie season was his first major injury, but the fact that it happened in the final game of his college career was a major red flag for teams evaluating him during the 2022 NFL Draft. While ACL tears are common in the NFL and players can recover from them, the risk of further injuries is always present. Some might argue that the Lions should wait before committing to a long-term deal, as Williams’ durability remains uncertain. But this is a calculated risk that the Lions will have to weigh when considering his long-term future with the franchise.
Another issue to consider is consistency. As previously mentioned, Williams has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent. He will need to prove that he can be a reliable, week-in-and-week-out contributor to the Lions’ offense. While a receiver with his skill set is always going to have a role in an NFL offense, it’s worth questioning whether he can be the No. 1 option or whether he will always be a complementary piece in the system. As the Lions continue to build their offense around Goff and running back David Montgomery, Williams will need to show that he can perform on a consistent basis, especially when defenses adjust and try to shut him down.
Additionally, the Lions must look at their overall team needs. While Williams is a talented wide receiver, the Lions’ offense is still a work in progress. They have a solid offensive line and a talented group of skill players, but they are not yet at the level of the NFL’s elite teams. In order for the Lions to be a true contender in the NFC, they will need to continue adding pieces to both sides of the ball, and that includes other positions such as defense, tight end, and the secondary. Committing a significant portion of the salary cap to a wide receiver, especially one with a limited track record, could limit the Lions’ flexibility in adding other players who could contribute to the team’s growth.
That said, there are compelling reasons for the Lions to extend Williams. First, it is important to note that the team’s offense is built around young, dynamic players who are still in the early stages of their careers. Williams is only 22 years old, and if the Lions extend him now, they could lock up a key piece for the long term while he’s still on the rise. While it’s true that he hasn’t reached his full potential, the signs of greatness are certainly there. The Lions’ offense is trending in the right direction, and with Williams in the fold for the long term, they could continue to build a championship-caliber unit that is capable of competing with the league’s best.
In addition, the Lions have seen enough in Williams’ brief time on the field to know that he has a rare skill set that can’t be easily replicated. His speed is game-changing, and he has the ability to take over games when everything clicks. The combination of his ability to stretch the field and Goff’s growing confidence makes for a potent pairing in the years to come. The Lions’ front office should recognize that extending Williams now could provide the team with the stability it needs at the wide receiver position, and he could become the cornerstone of their offense for the next decade.
Finally, extending Williams would send a strong message to the team and its fan base that the Lions are committed to building a competitive, long-term contender. The Lions have been searching for stability for years, and the franchise’s recent development suggests that they are finally headed in the right direction. Keeping Williams around for the long term would help solidify the Lions as a team that is ready to compete for the division title and more, while also sending a signal that they are committed to keeping their young stars in Detroit for years to come.
The decision to extend Jameson Williams is not an easy one, but the potential reward outweighs the risk. Yes, there are concerns surrounding his injuries and consistency, but the upside of locking up a wide receiver with his skill set is too great to pass up. The Lions have the opportunity to invest in a player who could be a key piece of their future success, and now is the time to do so. With the offensive growth the team has shown, and with Williams’ rare talent, it’s clear that the Lions should give him a long-term extension. If they do, they could be looking at one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league for years to come, as they continue to push toward an NFC championship and beyond.