Detroit Lions waive rookie WR Isaiah Williams

The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday that they have waived rookie wide receiver Isaiah Williams. No corresponding move was made, meaning the Lions currently have an open spot on their 53-man roster.

Williams was one of the Lions' most sought-after undrafted free agent signings this year. Detroit handed him $225,000 in guarantees to sign with the team. At first, it looked like Williams was going to have a tough time making the team's 53-man roster considering how deep they were at the slot receiver position—and how needy they were at the X position. However, Williams had an outstanding preseason, leading the team with 11 catches and 123 yards. He also had six punt returns for 71 yards in the three preseason games.

Despite making the 53-man roster, Williams was mostly inactive for the first half of the 2024 season. He has only made two game appearances thus far, but, again, he made the most of them. In Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans —his NFL debut—Williams returned a kickoff for 36 yards.

So why did the Lions waive him? While that isn't entirely clear yet, Detroit will have to make some roster spots for players returning from injury. The Lions have already started the evaluation clock on Brodric Martin, Emmanuel Moseley, and Ifeatu Melifonwu, and as soon as they're ready to play, Detroit will need to put them on the 53-man roster.

Additionally, the Lions have already used all three practice squad elevations for tight end Shane Zylstra. If Detroit wants to play him this week, he'll have to be part of the 53-man roster.

Of course, waiving Williams puts him in danger of being claimed by another team. Given he was a popular UDFA, there's a chance Detroit never gets him back. But if Williams clears waivers, don't be surprised if he returns to the Lions' practice squad.