Lions Secure Jameson Williams with $80 Million Extension
The Detroit Lions have made a significant commitment to wide receiver Jameson Williams, locking him into a lucrative three-year extension worth $80 million. This deal comes just before the Lions kick off their regular season against the Green Bay Packers, marking a strategic move that aligns with the team’s long-term vision.
Contract Details and Structure
Williams is currently in the fourth year of his rookie contract, which included the Lions exercising his fifth-year option this offseason. As a result, his new extension will officially commence with the 2027 season. The structure of the contract is quite intricate, featuring $66 million guaranteed, with $30.6 million fully guaranteed upon signing.
Key provisions include full guarantees on his salary for the 2027 season if Williams remains on the roster by the third day of the 2026 league year. Additionally, should he stay with the team through the third day of the 2027 league year, $8 million of his 2028 salary will also be guaranteed. By the third day of the 2028 league year, the remaining $12 million of his salary will become guaranteed.
According to OverTheCap.com, the contract also includes $66.2 million in option bonuses spread across a total of eight years, due to the addition of five void years at the end of the agreement. This strategic maneuver allows the Lions to distribute Williams’ cap hit more evenly, which is crucial as the team navigates salary cap considerations.
Impact on the Lions’ Salary Cap Strategy
The Lions’ decision to extend Williams is indicative of their broader strategy regarding salary cap management. Several key players, already under contract, have received extensions, and the 2023 draft class is poised for similar treatment. Notably, players such as Jahmyr Gibbs, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, and Brian Branch are all eligible for extensions starting this offseason.
Williams’ new contract aligns with the potential extensions of these young talents, which could further solidify the Lions’ core moving forward. The first year of Williams’ extension coincides with the beginning of any extensions for members of the 2023 draft class, excluding Gibbs and Campbell, who are expected to play under their fifth-year options.
Year-by-Year Breakdown of the Extension
The following is a detailed look at Williams’ new contract, effective from the 2027 season, which includes five void years:
2027
– Base Salary: $1,260,000
– Prorated Signing Bonus: $3,000,000
– Prorated Option Bonus: $4,603,600
– Cap Number: $10,863,600
– Per-Game Roster Bonus: $1,700,000
– Workout Bonus: $300,000
2028
– Base Salary: $1,305,000
– Prorated Signing Bonus: $3,000,000
– Prorated Option Bonus: $7,942,600
– Cap Number: $14,247,600
– Per-Game Roster Bonus: $1,700,000
– Workout Bonus: $300,000
2029
– Base Salary: $1,435,000
– Prorated Signing Bonus: $3,000,000
– Prorated Option Bonus: $13,655,600
– Cap Number: $20,090,600
– Per-Game Roster Bonus: $1,700,000
– Workout Bonus: $300,000
2030 (Void Year)
– Base Salary: Void
– Prorated Option Bonus: $13,655,600
– Cap Number: $40,020,600
2031 (Void Year)
– Base Salary: Void
– Prorated Option Bonus: $11,600,000
2032 (Void Year)
– Base Salary: Void
– Prorated Option Bonus: $9,052,000
2033 (Void Year)
– Base Salary: Void
– Prorated Option Bonus: $5,713,000
2034 (Void Year)
– Base Salary: Void
– Prorated Option Bonus: $0
As the Lions continue to build their roster for sustained success, the commitment to Jameson Williams serves as a foundational piece in their offensive strategy, while also demonstrating a keen awareness of salary cap dynamics.
