The Detroit Lions have a month to decide on wide receiver future with the team.
As a former first-round pick, his four-year rookie contract includes a team option for a fifth season, which Detroit must choose to exercise by May 1 to secure him through the 2026 NFL season.
“It’s trending that way—we’re most likely going to do it,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes said at the NFL’s annual meeting in Palm Beach, Florida. “He was outstanding for us last year, and he’s still developing. I believe he has even more to offer, so it just makes sense for us to keep him around.”
That decision might not have been as clear-cut after his first two seasons.
In his first 18 regular-season games, he totaled 25 receptions for 395 yards and three touchdowns, along with four rushing attempts for 69 yards and a score. However, after a strong showing in the NFC Championship Game, where he scored twice in a 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he had a breakout 2024 season—hauling in 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 11 rushes for 61 yards and a touchdown.
He also delivered a highlight 61-yard touchdown run in the Lions’ 45-31 playoff loss to the Washington Commanders on Jan. 18.
If Detroit exercises the option, Williams will be guaranteed a $15.493 million salary for 2026, based on the average of the third through 25th highest-paid wide receivers over the past five years.
The Lions have other ways to keep Williams beyond 2025, such as using the franchise tag or negotiating a long-term deal, though both may pose financial challenges.
“We’re taking it step by step,” Holmes said. “His fifth-year option is coming up, and it looks like we’ll go ahead with it. But as for an extension, there are a lot of potential deals coming up. Wide receivers are expensive—it’s a tough financial decision.
“These are good problems to have, but I don’t want our fans to think we’re avoiding big moves just for the sake of it. We’re being strategic, ensuring we can sustain success while also competing at a high level now.”
