The Detroit Lions lost some critical depth at wide receiver when Josh Reynolds left in free agency, but one analyst feels they can cover the loss with an even more successful veteran. According to Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon, the Lions are one of the teams that could gain the most from a late free agent signing, adding that the team still lacks depth at wide receiver. Despite hefty contract extensions for Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell, the Lions still have almost $28.4 million in cap room, and Kenyon speculated they could use some of it on veteran receiver Michael Thomas.
Lions Face Question Marks at Wide Receiver
Beyond the All-Pro St. Brown, the Lions have some uncertainty in the wide receiving corps. Third-year receiver Jameson Williams has shown flashes of brilliant play but struggled with inconsistency and has been hit with questions over his maturity after being handed a gambling suspension.
Kenyon noted that tight end Sam LaPorta is a superstar in the making, but the Lions could use another steady target and “shouldn’t expect more than complementary production out of Kalif Raymond.”
Kenyon stated that while Thomas is not assured to have an instant impact, he may be a valuable addition to a club that lost a lot of output when Reynolds left for the Denver Broncos in free agency. “Detroit can afford the risk, though—and the position’s current outlook practically begging for the Lions to take one,” Kenyon wrote, adding that veterans Hunter Renfrow or Mecole Hardman might potentially be free agent targets.
Thomas has been slowed by injuries since a torrid start to his career, but he still had a productive season with the Saints in 2023. He made 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown.
Lions Look for Big Year Out of Jameson Williams
The Lions could also look in-house for the next big contributor to the offense. Head coach Dan Campbell had some big praise for Williams and the progress he has made, saying after the May 23 practice that the speedy receiver is the team’s most improved player.
We started this thing in April, and you’ve been on Phase One for a few weeks,” Campbell told SI.com. “Then we spent three weeks on the grass in Phase Two, which included routes on air, fundamentals, individual, and doing all of things. And then we’re two sessions in, and if you said, ‘Give me one person who has improved the most from start to finish in that period,’ Jamo would be the guy right now. He’s a man on a mission, and I’ll leave it at that. Alright? I’ll leave it at that.
After missing the first four games of the 2023 season while serving his gambling suspension, Williams got off to a shaky start but came on late. He made 11 catches for 159 yards over the final three regular season games and took on an even bigger role in the playoffs, scoring two touchdowns in the NFC Championship game.
