Detroit Lions: Top Five 2016 Offseason Needs
By Zac Snyder
5. Wide Receiver
Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate form one of the NFL’s best wide receiver duos but there is no guarantee that stays intact for the 2016 season. With Calvin pondering retirement and his contract set to count over $24 million against the salary cap, there are hurdles to clear before we can count on him being a Lion next season.
Even if those hurdles are cleared this offseason, it is hard to see Calvin playing another 3-5 years if he is contemplating retirement now. Given uncertainty in the short term and the reality of post-Calvin life in the long term, the Lions would be wise to address the wide receiver position this offseason with depth behind Johnson and Tate lacking.
Lance Moore was a stopgap brought in because of his familiarity with Joe Lombardi, Corey Fuller hasn’t developed enough to be a consistent part of the offense and TJ Jones remains unproven.
The need isn’t as great with the Lions’ stable of pass catchers out of the backfield and Eric Ebron could see an increase in work load, but whether it is building wide receiver depth or possibly having to make up for the loss of Calvin Johnson, a wide receiver needs to be on the radar.
Wide receiver makes the list for now because of uncertainty, but would move up the list if Calvin Johnson retires.
Next: Number 4