Lions shockingly predicted to cut ties with fan-favorite star

Jon Conahan

Lions shockingly predicted to cut ties with fan-favorite star image

(Junfu Han)

The Detroit Lions' wide receiver room has a strong argument to be the best in the NFL. 

However, over the next year, there could be a few chances to the unit, especially with Jameson Williams, a fan favorite who has proven to be an elite wide receiver.

Williams, 24 years old, has dealt with adversity throughout his career. However, in 2024, he stayed healthy, and produced at the level every Lions fan knew he could, posting 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns.

While it might not make sense to move on from him, given his output, A to Z Sports predicted it could happen, depending on what the Lions do in the draft.

"At this point, it seems very unlikely that the Lions will sign Williams to an extension, and Lions GM Brad Holmes said at the League Meetings in Florida two weeks ago that the team was leaning towards the fifth-year option with him. The deadline to do that would be right after the draft on May 1st... 

"If the Lions were to take Golden with the 28th pick, they could then trade Williams and save a lot of money that they can use to make sure that Brian Branch, Jahmy Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, Jack Campbell, Kerby Joseph and Aidan Hutchinson all get paid their top of the league extension money they're all expected to get," Mike Payton wrote.

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Matthew Golden is a very good player and might be available for the Lions. He hasn't proven what Williams has due to his lack of experience in the NFL, but he'd be on a rookie contract, and would allow the Lions to save money elsewhere. 

Jon Conahan

Jon Conahan is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. A 2022 Penn State University graduate who majored in journalism, he was also a member of the school's D1 baseball team. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Heavy and other outlets. Jon makes home in North Jersey, but also resides in Cape Coral, Florida, for parts of the year. He’s an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Miami Dolphins and Milwaukee Bucks.