Breaking down Detroit Lions 1st-round pick Tyleik Williams’ rookie contract.
On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions announced that they had signed 2025 first-round pick Tyleik Williams to his rookie contract. That puts six of the Lions’ seven draft picks now under contract. The lone exception is second-round pick Tate Ratledge. As a reminder, second-round picks typically take the longest to sign their first NFL contract because there is more wiggle room when it comes to negotiating. As an example, Texans receiver Jayden Higgins became the first ever second-round pick to earn a fully guaranteed contract earlier this year—something typically reserved for first-round picks.
According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Williams received a four-year, $16.46 million contract that has an $8.61 million signing bonus. Williams’ contract is fully guaranteed.
If you’re wondering how Williams’ contract sizes up with other defensive tackles, here’s a look at the top-paid players at his position:
- Chris Jones: $31.75 million/year
- Christian Wilkins: $27.5 million/year
- Milton Williams: $26 million/year
- Nnamdi Madubuike: $24.5 million/year
- Alim McNeill: $24.5 million/year
Tyleik Williams’ average of $4.11 million per year ranks him 63rd among all defensive tackles. He’s just above teammates Levi Onwuzurike ($4 million) and Roy Lopez ($3.5 million).
While defensive tackle may not seem like a premier position, it’s clear that teams are willing to shell out a hefty price for the best ones. Detroit, by grabbing a rookie at the end of the first round, is not only getting a player at what is essentially now deemed a premier position but at a very discounted cost.
