DONE DEAL: Rod Wood Willing to Sacrifice Amik Robertson and Sam LaPorta to Spend Big Money on Tyleik Williams with 28th Pick?

On April 25, 2025, the Detroit Lions sent shockwaves through the NFL Draft by selecting Ohio State defensive tackle Tyleik Williams with the 28th overall pick, a move announced by team president and CEO Rod Wood at the draft event in Green Bay. The selection of the 6’3”, 329-pound run-stopper has been hailed as a strategic addition to bolster Detroit’s defensive front. However, speculative posts on X and fan-driven narratives suggest that Wood and the Lions are prepared to “sacrifice” cornerback Amik Robertson and tight end Sam LaPorta to prioritize Williams, a claim that appears exaggerated and lacks credible backing.

The Draft Pick: Tyleik Williams to Detroit

Tyleik Williams, a 2024 All-Big Ten first-team selection, brings elite run-defense capabilities to the Lions. With an 88.6 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus and 11.5 career sacks over four seasons at Ohio State, Williams is a wide-bodied tackle who excels at clogging lanes and handling double-teams. His selection addresses a need for depth on the defensive line, especially with Alim McNeill’s contract expiring in 2026 and injuries exposing the unit’s thin rotation in 2024. The pick aligns with GM Brad Holmes’ philosophy of building through the trenches, as evidenced by prior investments in Aidan Hutchinson and D.J. Reader.

The draft moment was electric, with Wood’s announcement drawing roars from Lions fans in attendance. Williams, who weighed in at 329 pounds at the NFL Combine, is seen as a long-term anchor for a defense that ranked 17th against the run in 2024, allowing 4.6 yards per carry. His addition complements Hutchinson and Reader, potentially elevating Detroit’s front to elite status.

The Rumor: Sacrificing Robertson and LaPorta?

Speculation on X and among some fans claims that Wood is willing to “sacrifice” Amik Robertson and Sam LaPorta to “spend big money” on Williams. A post on X by @NFLRumorsHub stated, “Lions going all-in on Tyleik Williams, but at what cost? Robertson and LaPorta trade talks swirling,” fueling the narrative. Another user, @MotorCityManiac, questioned, “Why draft a DT when LaPorta’s our offense? Wood’s lost it.” These sentiments reflect concern over the Lions’ roster priorities, particularly given LaPorta’s star status and Robertson’s role in the secondary.

Amik Robertson, a 2024 free-agent signing from the Raiders, has been a solid nickel cornerback, playing 68% of defensive snaps in 2024 and recording two interceptions. However, his contract, a two-year, $9.25 million deal, is in its final year, and the Lions’ acquisition of D.J. Reed and Avonte Maddox in free agency has reduced his role. A Fox Sports report identified Robertson as a trade candidate due to his limited snaps and the team’s preference for Maddox in the nickel role, suggesting he could be expendable for a contender needing a third corner.

Sam LaPorta, a 2023 second-round pick, is a cornerstone of the Lions’ offense. In 2024, he recorded 45 receptions for 582 yards and four touchdowns, though his production dipped slightly from his rookie year (86 catches, 889 yards, 10 TDs). His chemistry with Jared Goff, highlighted by plays like a one-handed touchdown grab in Week 17, makes him a vital weapon. With two years left on his rookie contract, LaPorta’s cap hit remains low ($2.3 million in 2025), making a trade highly unlikely unless an extraordinary offer emerges.

The phrase “spend big money” is misleading. As a first-round pick, Williams’ contract will follow the NFL’s rookie wage scale, with an estimated four-year value of $10–12 million, including a signing bonus of around $5 million. This is far less than veteran free-agent deals or extensions for players like LaPorta, whose eventual second contract could approach $15 million annually. Trading Robertson or LaPorta would yield minimal cap relief—Robertson’s 2025 cap hit is $4.5 million, and LaPorta’s is negligible—while sacrificing proven contributors.

Analyzing the Evidence

No credible reports confirm that Wood or Holmes are planning to trade Robertson or LaPorta to prioritize Williams. The Lions’ draft strategy under Holmes emphasizes best-player-available selections, as seen with Hutchinson (2022) and Jahmyr Gibbs (2023). Williams’ pick addresses a long-term need, not a signal to overhaul the roster. The team’s projected $40 million in 2025 cap space, per Over The Cap, allows them to retain key players like LaPorta while absorbing Williams’ rookie deal.

Robertson’s trade candidacy, as noted by Fox Sports, is plausible due to his contract status and the team’s depth at cornerback with Reed, Maddox, and Brian Branch. However, his trade value (likely a mid-round pick) wouldn’t significantly alter the cap or justify the “sacrifice” narrative. LaPorta, meanwhile, is untouchable barring a blockbuster offer, given his role as Goff’s top target behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. Trading him would weaken an offense that ranked fourth in scoring (31.2 PPG) in 2024, contradicting coach Dan Campbell’s aggressive, high-octane philosophy.

The “big money” claim may stem from fan anxiety about future cap constraints, with extensions looming for Goff ($53 million cap hit in 2026), St. Brown, and Hutchinson. However, Williams’ cost-controlled deal doesn’t necessitate moving established players, and Wood’s comments at the 2024 NFL Annual Meetings emphasized roster continuity, not drastic trades.

Fan and Media Sentiment

X posts reveal a split among Lions fans. Some, like @LionsPride247, praise the Williams pick, noting, “Tyleik is a beast! Our D-line’s gonna eat with him and Hutch.” Others, like @MotorCityManiac, worry about offensive priorities, arguing, “We need weapons for Goff, not another DT. LaPorta’s our guy!” Media outlets, such as ESPN, highlight the pick’s fit with Detroit’s physical identity, with analyst Louis Riddick calling Williams “a tone-setter for Campbell’s culture.” The Athletic’s mock draft also projected Williams as a target for teams needing run-stoppers, validating the Lions’ choice.

Critical Perspective

The narrative that Wood is willing to sacrifice Robertson and LaPorta to “spend big” on Williams is largely speculative, driven by fan frustration and misinterpretation of draft economics. Robertson’s trade potential exists due to his contract and depth at his position, but moving LaPorta would be a strategic misstep, given his elite production and low cost. The Lions’ 12-5 record and NFC Championship appearance in 2024 underscore their Super Bowl aspirations, making roster gutting unlikely. Williams’ selection is about depth and future-proofing the defense, not a signal to dismantle the offense.

The rumor may reflect broader fan concerns about the Lions’ draft history, where early-round picks like Levi Onwuzurike (2021) underperformed, or the team’s 62-year championship drought. However, Holmes’ recent draft success (St. Brown, Gibbs, LaPorta) suggests a calculated approach, and Wood’s role as president focuses on business operations, not roster decisions, which fall to Holmes and Campbell.

Conclusion

The Lions’ selection of Tyleik Williams at No. 28 is a savvy move to fortify their defensive line, but claims that Rod Wood is ready to sacrifice Amik Robertson and Sam LaPorta to “spend big money” on Williams are unfounded. Robertson could be a trade chip due to his contract and the team’s depth, but LaPorta remains a core offensive piece, and Williams’ rookie deal requires no such sacrifices. The Lions are building on their 2024 success, and Williams’ addition enhances their physical identity without necessitating a roster overhaul. As Detroit eyes a Super Bowl run in 2025, fans should focus on the team’s upward trajectory rather than speculative trade rumors.

Sources: Fox Sports, The Athletic, DetroitLions.com, posts on X