Brad Holmes: Lions will 'most likely' pick up fifth-year option on WR Jameson Williams

[ASFN Admin]

During his briefing with the Detroit-based media at the NFL Owner's Meetings in Palm Beach, Lions general manager Brad Holmes indicated the team is "most likely" going to pick up the fifth-year option on the rookie contract of wide receiver Jameson Williams.

"Look, it's heading that way that we are most likely going to be doing that," Holmes said on Monday.

Williams is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract, which is the final season. However, all first-round picks come wiht the team option to exercise a fifth-year option to secure the player for one more season. Detroit has to make the decision on Williams, and also Aidan Hutchinson, by May 1st this year.

Exercising the option doesn't preclude the Lions from signing Williams (or Hutchinson) to a contract extension. It simply gives the team an extra year of contractual control before needing to either extend the player or see him hit free agency. Fifth-year options are fully guaranteed one-year contracts that are based on playing time and accolade criteria. For Williams, that total would be $15,493,000 for the 2026 season.

If the Lions change their minds and don't pick up the 5th-year option, Williams would be a free agent after the upcoming 2025 season.

It's likely that the #Lions will exercise the 5th year option for WR Jameson Williams, according to GM Brad Holmes. "Look, it's heading that way that we are most likely gonna be doing that," he said. Holmes thinks he has "more in him" and it "makes sense" as a great talent.

— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) March 31, 2025

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Lions likely to exercise 5th year option on Jameson Williams contract

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