Detroit Lions Have Depth Despite Calvin Johnson's Retirement

With Calvin Johnson retiring, the Detroit Lions couldn’t possibly have improved their wide receiver position, right? The answer may surprise you.

Okay let’s be honest. Losing Calvin Johnson to retirement was a bad thing for the Detroit Lions. It was a very bad thing. You don’t lose Megatron and smile about it.

Maybe you cry. Maybe you dream he’ll to return. Maybe you hope he will change his mind. You’re definitely not happy though.

But if you’re Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn you don’t have time to worry about being happy. Your primary concern is making your team better – now and in the future.

More from Detroit Lions

Obviously, losing Johnson to retirement was a big blow. But what have the Lions done in response? Let’s take a look at last year’s receiving group versus the one the Lions have put together heading into this season.

Last year the Lions had a group of wide receivers that included Johnson, Golden Tate, Lance Moore, T.J. Jones, and Corey Fuller.

Johnson and Tate achieved as expected compiling 88 receptions for 1,214 yard and nine touchdowns, and 90 receptions for 813 yards and six touchdowns respectively.

But the depth behind them produced very little. Moore, Jones, and Fuller combined for a meager 43 receptions, 545 yards receiving, and five touchdowns.

So who the Lions have lined up at the receiver position as the new season nears?

First, the Lions went out and signed Marvin Jones. Marvin Jones was the prize of the free agent receiving class. While he is not Calvin Johnson, he is a very good receiver, in his prime and has similar receiving stats to those Golden Tate had with Seattle before the Lions signed him in 2014.

No one expects Jones to replace Johnson by himself, but collectively as a unit Detroit can improve. As Bob Quinn promised when he was hired as the general manager, the Lions have made it a priority to upgrade the depth of the team.

This year’s wide receiver group is no exception. In addition to signing Jones, the Lions also signed Jeremy Kerley to be their third/slot receiver. Kerley had an underwhelming year, underutilized by a new coaching staff.

But Kerley is still in his prime, expects to be better used in Detroit’s offense this year, and had over 800 yards receiving in a season, as recent as 2012. He is likely to be an upgrade over Lance Moore.

T.J. Jones should also have improved production this season. Additionally, Corey Fuller will have to be better or he will be replaced by undrafted free agent Jay Lee, who is already getting attention for all the right reasons in OTAs.

Combine that with an improved offensive line, and the Lions wide receivers should be better off than many expected in the wake of Calvin Johnson’s retirement.

Next: 5 Returning Lions With Roster Spots in Doubt

Losing Megatron was a huge loss, but collectively they can still improve the unit. Time will tell if Bob Quinn’s upgrading through depth will work. Detroit’s current receivers might just surprise, and earn passing marks all around.

Home/Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions Have Depth at Wide Receiver Despite Retirement of Calvin Johnson

By Eli Kaplan | Jun 1, 2016

With Calvin Johnson retiring, the Detroit Lions couldn’t possibly have improved their wide receiver position, right? The answer may surprise you.