Detroit Lions GM Brad Holmes has transformed the franchise. Since taking over in 2021, he has gotten multiple cornerstone pieces in every draft. Penei Sewell, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, Kerby Joseph, and Brian Branch have all been selected by Holmes and his front office. One player they got aggressive for was wide receiver Jameson Williams. He has had a rocky start to this career, but when he is on the field, he is electric. Ahead of the draft, many wondered whether the former Alabama receiver was on the trade block. Holmes made his stance clear in a press conference.
Detroit Lions Brad Holmes On WR Jameson Williams
The Detroit Lions picked up the fifth-year options on Hutchinson and Williams today. Hutchinson wasn’t a surprise, and he is likely headed for a max contract in the next year or two. Jameson Williams had a small question mark. When the team drafted him, he was recovering from an ACL injury. Then, he saw suspensions for violating the league’s gambling and substance abuse policies. Many wondered whether the Lions would look to trade him. Holmes shut that down.
“That’s something that we have never entertained. I don’t know where that report came from. But that’s not a conversation that me and Dan [Campbell have] ever had.”
The rumors started because Williams unfollowed the team on Instagram, something that often causes hysteria in today’s world. However, the rumors were just rumors. The people that matter never entertained trading him, and for good reason.
Electric Talent
Video of Jameson Williams highlights courtesy of Sick EditzHD
Last season, Williams played in 15 games for the Detroit Lions. He caught 58 passes for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns. He added another 61 yards on the ground and another touchdown. The stats don’t tell the whole story. Whenever he gets the ball in his hands, he can take it to the house. His speed and acceleration are off the charts and lead to some amazing highlights.
The Detroit Lions do have LaPorta and Gibbs in the passing game, but having another wide receiver opposite St. Brown is essential to the offense. Furthermore, his speed means defenses have to stay honest. They cannot sit on the underneath routes otherwise Williams will burn them deep.
Final Thoughts
The Detroit Lions will want to keep Williams around for a while. It will be interesting to see if they can work out a team-friendly deal. With Jared Goff, Sewell, and St. Brown on huge deals, there isn’t as much money to go around. Furthermore, players like Hutchinson, Gibbs, and Branch will need deals down the road. Hopefully, they can keep him because the offense is different when he is on the field.
