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Detroit Lions Offseason Prediction: Wide Receivers

By Erik Schlitt

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs after a catch during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs after a catch during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (13) scores after a reception before being hit out of bounds by Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kendall Wright (13) scores after a reception before being hit out of bounds by Green Bay Packers defensive back Micah Hyde (33) during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agents

If you are looking for the Lions to add a big name player like Alshon Jeffery (Bears), Terrelle Pryor (Browns), DeSean Jackson (Redskins), or Kenny Stills (Dolphins) it’s time to temper your expectations. With over a $8 M cap hit invested in both Tate and Jones, Bob Quinn won’t be making a splash in the wide receiver market.

Instead they will be looking for bargain veterans who are unhappy in their current situation and want a fresh start to get their careers back on track.

Kamar Aiken had a breakout season in 2015, leading the Ravens in receiving. He entered last offseason with a restricted free agency tender and re-signed with the Ravens. But Aiken saw his role regress and he suffered a massive drop in production. If Aiken is interested in the Lions, I’m not sure his situation would improve significantly enough to result in a signing.

Kendall Wright (Titans) was my top rated wide receiver in the 2012 class, coming in ahead of guys like Alshon Jeffrey, Michael Floyd, and Marvin Jones. Wright never settled in on a role with the Titans rotating coaching staffs and eventually fell out of favor with the current staff. He was benched late in the season and a healthy scratch in week 17 after being late for a team meeting.

ESPN’s Paul Kuharsky talked with Wright at the end of their season and he commented:

"“I’ll be glad to see what I can do and make a team fall in love with me and go and do what I know I can do,” he said. “… They have something good here, I think they’ll win a lot of games. But for me, it’s time to grind. I feel like I am free.”"

Wright is looking for a fresh start, and because of his inconsistency, he may be forced to sign a smaller deal and prove his worth. He would fit so well in Detroit, that he has been a recommended as an offseason addition by both Ryan Matthews (Pride of Detroit, Here) and Ash Thompson (The Detroit Lions Podcast, Here). Ryan and Ash make solid points and are suggested readings if you want more information on Wright.

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