Right before the start of the 2025 season, the Detroit Lions and wide receiver Jameson Williams agreed to a three-year extension worth up to $83 million. Through the first six weeks he’s earned that money, being a quality secondary option behind Amon-Ra St. Brown.
However, on Monday Night Football against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, Williams has struggled to get anything going. Here’s a look at the fourth-year wideout’s slow start.
What Happened to Detroit Lions WR Jameson Williams?
While the Lions offense performed well in the first half of their Week 7 Monday Night Football matchup against the Buccaneers, Williams was not one of those players. He was targeted just once by Detroit quarterback Jared Goff and couldn’t bring the pass in, unable to show off his explosive talents.
On the other hand, St. Brown has hauled in five receptions for 87 yards and a touchdown in the first half, leading the Lions offense along with running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Williams doesn’t have an excuse for a lack of opportunities, playing the second most snaps among Lions wide receivers in the first half at 38, just one behind St. Brown.
Lions halftime WR snap count
Amon-Ra St. Brown 39
Jameson Williams 38
Kalif Raymond 21
Isaac TeSlaa 8Out of 42 plays
— Nathan Jahnke (@PFF_NateJahnke) October 21, 2025
Williams has had some impressive games in 2025, including catching six passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in Week 6 against the Kansas City Chiefs and a jaw-dropping two-reception, 108-yard outing where he scored a 64-yard touchdown. Williams ability to take the top of the defense is game breaking.
The Lions will need Williams to wake up as the Buccaneers have found new life towards the end of the first half. A quick 14 second drive allowed Tampa Bay to convert a field goal as time expired in the second quarter, making the score 14-3. They came out firing on all cylinders in the second half, taking the opening kickoff 67 yards down the field to score a touchdown, cutting the deficit to 14-9.
There’s no reason to think that the Lions shouldn’t be able to turn things on offensively, however, there last three drives have ended in a punt, missed field goal and an interception and all have been five plays or less. With Tampa Bay turning things up a notch, Detroit will need to answer to keep the lead comfotable. Will the Lions be able to find a way to get the young receiver incorporated into the Monday Night Football matchup?
