Many believe heading into the 2025 NFL draft that the Detroit Lions are targeting defense, specifically the defensive line.
The team struggled to rush the passer after star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson went down midseason with a fractured left leg, and adding an edge-rusher or offensive lineman-moving defensive tackle up the middle is a popular pick for Detroit among draft experts.
But according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, there’s speculation the Lions could throw everyone off by trading a star pass-catcher and drafting his successor.
In a recent draft column, Breer stated he’s heard from sources that the Lions could potentially trade wide receiver Jameson Williams, the 12th overall pick in 2022, and look for a younger and cheaper replacement.
“Obviously, this is a roster that’s in really solid shape, allowing for the Lions to target certain needs (in the draft), and the defensive line is very much one to keep an eye on,” Breer wrote. “… Receiver’s another spot to consider—with a fifth-year option decision coming on Jameson Williams, and some in NFL circles believing he could be traded.”
Williams had a breakout season in 2024, catching a career-high 58 passes, 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns despite missing two games while serving a suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substance policy.
There’s been talk the Lions are hesitant about picking up Williams’ fifth-year option (he’s been suspended twice and missed 18 games over his first three seasons due to those suspensions and injuries), though general manager brad Holmes told reporters back in March that he envisions keeping Williams around.
“He was a tremendous player for us last year,” Holmes said. “I just think it just makes sense for us to do what we can to keep him around.”
If the Lions were to trade Williams, his trade value would likely be a late-round pick, anywhere in the Round 4-7 range.
