4 pending free agent receivers the Detroit Lions need to consider signing
By Bob Heyrman
The Detroit Lions need to consider signing pending free agent Keelan Cole.
The trend continues here with Keelan Cole, but at least he’s not a current Cowboy receiver. Although the Detroit Lions need a number one, two, and three-receiver heading into next season, Keelan Cole can be a helpful depth receiver and also utilized on special teams.
Cole is 28-years old and is in his sixth NFL season, first with the New York Jets. He’s provided the Jets with a catch rate of 57.6% this season, which exactly mirrors his career average. Cole has hauled in 19 balls, 15 of which produced a first down totaling 299 yards. He’s also averaging 15.7 yards per reception.
The veteran receiver has also returned three kicks this season, gaining 66 yards but hasn’t returned punts this season in New York. Last year in Jacksonville, Cole returned nine punts totaling 140 yards and took one 91 yards to the house.
Cole went undrafted and initially caught on with the Jaguars, where he spent four seasons making 159 receptions totaling 2,242 yards and 12 touchdowns on 276 targets.
If the Detroit Lions re-sign Kalif Raymond, there is no immediate need for a returner, but Cole brings versatility and can be a solid wide receiver four or five for the Detroit Lions.
Cole is on a one-year deal with the Jets that pays him $5.5 million. I expect that number to drop to about $4 million per season annually, especially if Cole intends on signing a multi-year deal.