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The Detroit Lions signed Jameson Williams on a three-year extension worth $83 million. The contract guarantees $67 million to his entire period until the 2028 season. The amount, which is for the maximum term of the contract, signifies that the team wants to hang on to this explosive speedster.
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Williams finally was able to showcase that breakaway speed and playmaking ability in 2024 that earned him the 12th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. His road to this payday has, of course, not been simple, given that he tore his ACL in his rookie year and had to sit out in 2023 for violating the league’s gambling policy. Still, after his stellar 2024 season with 58 receptions for 1,001 yards and 7 touchdowns, Detroit decided he was worth investing in for the long term.
The announcement immediately ignited media excitement and discussion about the team. Many lauded the Lions for rewarding their homegrown talent in a bid to build continuity; however, a few opined that the decision was not very wise financially, considering the other looming contract situations the team finds itself in.
One user mused about the lack of salary cap flexibility in future years by saying, “Oof…where’s the money for Hutch?” This implies how well known it is that defensive star Aidan Hutchinson will one day shatter that record himself and thereby place even more financial constraints.
From a strategic point of view, another commentator went as far as to say, “Lions getting this deal done early so they don’t end up like the Bengals/Cowboys who drag their feet and end up paying their guys much more.” This obviously states how proactive the Detroit Lions have been with their core players rather than waiting for such mark-ups to take place.
However, some have felt somewhat doubtful about whether Williams is worth the investment at this level. Another skeptical comment asked, “Paying him crazy money for what exactly?” before labeling the entire deal, “holy overpay, total waste of money for a guy that’s not even worth anything close to that.” Comments like these show the divisive nature of big money going to players with bursts of greatness worthy of all-time recognition that descend into somewhat lesser consistency.
Lions, WR Jameson Williams agree to three-year deal worth a max value of $83M. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/yNruu0rF01
— NFL (@NFL) September 7, 2025
The conversation also veered into fantasy implications, with one user simply suggesting,”Scoop him in fantasy this year.”
Several comments also mentioned the impact of having a player wanting to stay in Detroit. “When players want to stay and resign is when you know you have a true winning culture,” commented one user about the changing culture under coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes.
The backing of a further investment in Williams is the support of a calculated gamble designed to advance his development, as well as a further guarantee to the stability of their offensive scheme. With Goff also locked into the long term, Detroit appears intent on preserving the offensive fire that led to recent postseason success.
This contract would set a great precedent about valuing homegrown talent as the Lions move into contract talks with all their other major youngsters. It will be cast in the coming years whether or not Williams justifies this immense financial commitment, or whether this commitment becomes a deterrent to the team being able to retain the other members of its core.
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The team very obviously thinks Williams’ best football is ahead of him, now with one of the richest receiver contracts of recent memory to back it up.
This story originally appeared on Celebrityinsider
