Detroit Lions may get back some of Jameson Williams’ signing bonus

Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams is facing a six-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy. According to Spotrac, the suspension has serious financial implications for Williams, who was set to earn a fully guaranteed $1.5 million this season, with an additional $5.3 million guaranteed over the next two years, plus a fifth-year option in 2026 on his rookie deal. Williams will lose just under $500,000 for the six weeks he will miss in 2023, and the salary guarantee on his remaining $6.87 million will also be voided. The Lions may look to recoup a portion of his signing bonus due to him missing nearly a third of his sophomore campaign.

Key Points

• Williams is facing a six-game suspension from the NFL for violating the league’s gambling policy.
• Williams will lose just under $500,000 for the six weeks he will miss in 2023, and the salary guarantee on his remaining $6.87 million will also be voided.
• The Lions may look to recoup a portion of his signing bonus.  

Detroit Lions may get back some of Jameson Williams’ signing bonus

Here is what Spotrac has to say about the financial implications for Williams’ suspension, and about how the Lions could recoup some of his signing bonus.

Missed 11 weeks of 2022 due to injury, and is now expected to miss 6 more of 2023 due to his involvement in this gambling violation. The 22 year old was set to earn a fully guaranteed $1.5M this season, with another 2 years, $5.3M plus a 5th year option in 2026 still remaining on his rookie deal. Williams will forfeit just under $500,000 for the 6 weeks missed in 2023. Furthermore, the salary guarantee on his remaining $6.87M will now void. The Lions may also look to recoup $823,290 of his signing bonus (6 weeks of his 2023 proration) per this suspension.

Bottom Line – Williams’ decision to violate the NFL’s gambling policy is costly

The NFL’s strict policies on player behavior and conduct can have financial implications for both players and teams. In Jameson Williams’ case, his six-game suspension could lead to the loss of salary guarantees and signing bonus. This serves as a reminder that actions have consequences and underscores the importance of complying with league policies, even if those policies MAKE ABSOLUTELY ZERO SENSE!