The Detroit Lions lost significant depth at wide receiver with Josh Reynolds’ departure in free agency. However, an analyst believes they have the opportunity to add a more experienced veteran to compensate for the loss.
David Kenyon from Bleacher Report highlighted the Lions as a team that could greatly benefit from a late free agency signing, emphasizing their need for additional wide receiver depth. Despite some costly contract extensions for Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell, the Lions still have around $28.4 million in cap space. Kenyon suggested that they could use some of this to sign veteran receiver Michael Thomas.
Lions Face Uncertainty at Wide Receiver
Beyond All-Pro St. Brown, the Lions’ wide receiving corps has some question marks. Third-year receiver Jameson Williams has shown potential but has struggled with inconsistency and maturity issues, including a gambling suspension.
Kenyon mentioned that while tight end Sam LaPorta is emerging as a star, the Lions could use another reliable target. He cautioned not to expect more than complementary production from Kalif Raymond.
Kenyon proposed that while Thomas might not make an immediate impact, he could be a valuable addition to a team that lost considerable production with Reynolds’ move to the Denver Broncos in free agency.
“Detroit can afford the risk, though—and the position’s current outlook is practically begging for the Lions to take one,” Kenyon wrote, suggesting veterans Hunter Renfrow or Mecole Hardman as additional free agency options.
Despite injuries slowing him down, Thomas had a productive season with the Saints in 2023, recording 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown.
Lions Look for a Breakout Year from Jameson Williams
The Lions might also rely on internal development for their next offensive star. Head coach Dan Campbell praised Williams’ progress, noting after the May 23 practice that the speedy receiver is the team’s most improved player.
“We started this thing back in April, and you’ve got Phase One for a couple weeks,” Campbell said, via SI.com. “Then we’ve been on the grass for three weeks in Phase Two, which has been routes on air and fundamentals and individual and doing all this. And then we’re two practices in and if you said, ‘Give me one player that is the most improved from start to finish in that time,’ Jamo would be that guy right now. He is a man on a mission, and I’m just gonna leave it at that. Alright? I’m gonna leave it at that.”
After serving a four-game suspension for gambling in 2023, Williams had a slow start but improved significantly, making 11 catches for 159 yards in the final three regular season games and scoring two touchdowns in the NFC Championship game.
