The Detroit Lions may lose Josh Reynolds to free agency this offseason. But the Lions may already have a replacement in 22-year-old Jameson Williams.
At least that is what head coach Dan Campbell appeared to say on February 27. Campbell, speaking to media at the NFL combine, hinted that the team has big expectations for Williams in 2024.
“By the end of the year, we really felt like he started to come into his own,” Campbell said of Williams. “He’s going to be push to be a full-time starter now, and that’s what we’re looking for.”
Williams is already considered a starter. Including the playoffs, he started 14 games after returning from a four-game ban in Week 5.
Reynolds, the team’s No. 2 wideout, played nearly 400 more snaps than Williams.
Williams took advantage of his opportunities, particularly near the close of the season. He had at least 40 receiving yards in each of his last three regular-season games.
Williams then scored two touchdowns in the NFC Championship Game.
“The kid’s come on, so we have high hopes for him,” Campbell explained. “We see him continuing to develop.
“As long as he gets back and puts the work in like we believe he will because he’s shown that, he’s only going to get better and better and better.”
Kalif Raymond Highlights the work ethic of WR Jameson Williams.
Williams endured a rough offseason. He received a six-game suspension for violating NFL gambling rules.
He also created a stir on social media by like a tweet suggesting that the Lions replace Jared Goff with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Then, on July 5, Williams shared a video of a fireworks display in which he lit explosives in his hands.
But after his punishment was reduced to four games, Williams put aside the drama and got to work.
The Lions coaching staff wasn’t the only one to notice.
“I am so proud of watching him and all the plays that he’s had over this postseason run and the latter half of the season,” teammate wideout Kalif Raymond said, according to Detroitlions.com’s Tim Twentyman. “Everything he was accomplishing did not come as a surprise because he was putting in so much effort. It was truly incredible to see how much effort he put in.”
Williams concluded the 2023 season with 24 receptions, 354 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. He also had a rushing score.
The majority of that production — 16 receptions, 265 yards, and two combined touchdowns — came in the final eight games of the season.
Will the Lions lose WR Josh Reynolds?
The Lions praised Williams for his progress and improvement over the 2023 season. The findings gradually emerged after the end of the campaign.
In 2024, however, the Lions may require Williams to deliver significantly more.
Reynolds will be an unrestricted free agent in March. Spotrac did not expect Reynolds to sign a big contract in free agency, but media pundits have linked the veteran receiver to several teams.
“While a few teams will be looking for a No. 1 option in free agency, most teams could benefit from a player who can make plays downfield,” said Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine.
“He’s the kind of signing that will probably be a minor blip in news cycle in the spring but will play a crucial role for a team contending for the playoffs.”
It’s not surprising that the Lions would prioritize re-signing one or two of their starting offensive lineman. Finding a cornerback boost in free agency has to be at the top of Detroit’s offseason wish list.
If Reynolds leaves, the team will look to Williams to play a larger role in Detroit’s No. 2-ranked passing offense next season.
