Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of the NFC Championship NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)AP
ALLEN PARK — Seven Lions players are changing jersey numbers for next season, but Jameson Williams isn’t among them.
The prized receiver wore No. 1 at Alabama, and there was some speculation he might make a play for the number now that Cam Sutton is no longer employed by the Ford family. Alas, Williams is sticking with No. 9. While he hasn’t spoken on the matter, it’s worth noting a recent NFL rule change forces players to buy out the league inventory of their uniforms when changing numbers.
As for which players are changing numbers, both third-round picks from last season will have new digits next year. Quarterback Hendon Hooker is going from 12 to 2, while defensive tackle Brodric Martin is going from 98 to 99. That makes way for new defensive tackle DJ Reader to wear his trusty No. 98, which he’s donned for the entirety of his career.
The other changes
No. 10 Nate Sudfeld (previously No. 8
No. 10 Tre’Quan Smith
No. 12 Daurice Fountain (previously 84)
No. 18 Antoine Green (previously 80)
No. 21 Amik Robertson
No. 23 Carlton Davis
No. 27 Zonovan Knight (previously 28)
No. 28 Jermar Jefferson (previously 39)
No. 52 Netane Muti
No. 71 Kevin Zeitler
No. 92 Marcus Davenport
No.95 Mathieu Betts