Former Illinois Football Star Isaiah Williams Impressing In Detroit

Former Illinois Football Star Isaiah Williams Impressing In Detroit

Undoubtedly, Isaiah Williams has kept Lions fans and media intrigued during the offseason. Following the results from his workouts at the NFL combine (4.63 40-time) Isaiah went undrafted in the 2024 NFL draft. However, after getting scooped up as an undrafted free agent by Detroit, the former Illinois Football star has found ways to impress.

Williams is contracted with the Lions for 3-years at $2,845,000 (with conditions). This totals an average salary of around $948,000 per year. Additionally, he will also receive a $15,000 signing bonus from Detroit, guaranteeing him $240,000 total in salary compensation.

Certainly, the door is open to the opportunity for Isaiah to extend his career, and create a path in the NFL. Can the former Illini solidify himself on Detroit’s 53-man roster?

Interesting Lions Media Comments on Isaiah Williams

Brad Berreman – SideLions

In a write-up for the SideLion Report, Journalist Brad Berreman made some interesting comments regarding the former Illinois Football wide-out. Furthermore, pondering on the St. Louis native not being picked up in the 2024 NFL Draft, in addition to his salary.

“The Lions made noteworthy investments in a few undrafted rookies. Wide receiver Isaiah Williams is among them, with $225,000 in guaranteed money coming his way.” Said Berreman “That points to the idea he probably should have been drafted, after back-to-back 82-catch seasons to finish his career at Illinois. Last season, he led the Big Ten in receptions and finished second in the conference in receiving yards” 

The Detroit News – Justin Rogers

Typical of his attitude with Illinois Football, Williams has put in the extra work to impress the Lions staff. After Detroit hosted a rookie mini-camp in early May, Justin Rogers of “The Detroit News” made an interesting assessment of the rookie.

“Established and accomplished veterans, St. Brown and Raymond weren’t on the field for this weekend’s rookie minicamp. Still, the familiar post-practice whir of the JUGS machine, and the repetitive thud of a football hitting receivers’ hands was present.” said Justin. A half-hour of extra work after his first practice as a member of the Lions, undrafted rookie Isaiah Williams finally left the field.”

Thank you for reading Armchair Illini. For more Illinois Athletics and Big Ten content from Armchair Illini, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email Alex Kyi at alexkyi13@gmail.com.