Jameson Williams just had the season Lions fans had hoped for, and now he’s the focus of trade rumors.
Following a breakout 2024 season with 58 catches for 1,001 yards and eight touchdowns, the former first-round choice finally looked like the deep-threat powerhouse Detroit envisioned when trading up for him in 2022. But, with his fifth-year option date approaching on May 1, speculation over Williams’ future is heating up.
According to Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports, the Kansas City Chiefs are one probable landing destination for the quick wideout.
Why the Chiefs?
The Chiefs’ wide receiver room is weak. Yes, they added Xavier Worthy, and Rashee Rice showed great promise before his injury. But, with Marquise Brown on a one-year contract and DeAndre Hopkins gone, Kansas City lacks a proven, long-term deep threat.
Enter Williams.
“Williams, who has the same body type as Rice and Worthy, could thrive in Kansas City,” according to Palacios. “He’s just 24 and has the deep-ball skill set to give Patrick Mahomes the field-stretcher they’ve been missing since Tyreek Hill.”
Williams’ elite speed and ability to make big plays would be ideal for Andy Reid’s attack. And with Mahomes at quarterback, the opportunity to hit a home run ball would only rise.
Why would Detroit ever consider this?
This is a difficult situation for the Lions.
On the one hand, Williams is coming off a breakout year, and with Amon-Ra St. Brown drawing coverage inside, the two combined for a dangerous 1-2 punch late in the season. Detroit’s offense is already Super Bowl-caliber—why tinker with it?
However, the Lions must decide whether to exercise Williams’ fifth-year option, and there have been concerns about his off-field maturity and consistency. If Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell believe his trade value is at its highest, and the appropriate offer comes along, MAYBE they’ll consider it.
Also, don’t forget that the Chiefs enjoy trading draft picks. If Kansas City offers a second-round pick (or more), the Lions might listen.
The Bottom Line
This appears to be offseason chatter rather than a serious possibility—but in the NFL, never say never.
Williams is a critical component of Detroit’s attack right now. He finally took the leap last year, providing the Lions with a much-needed vertical threat. If the franchise truly believes he is part of the long-term strategy, they will exercise that option and retain him in Honolulu blue.
What if they don’t? So don’t be surprised if the Chiefs come calling.
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