The Detroit Lions have one of the most talented pass-catchers in the NFL. Wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as tight end Sam LaPorta are Detroit's top playmakers, while rookie Isaac TeSlaa was drafted in order to take pressure off these three targets.
That said, on the heels of NFL training camp beginning, one former Lions receiver signed with an NFC team looking to bounce back in 2025. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, former Lions receiver Quintez Cephus signed with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday.
#49ers signed Quintez Cephus to a one-year deal, waived Israel Abanikanda.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 24, 2025
Former Lions WR Quintez Cephus Signs With the 49ers
Many Lions fans likely remember Cephus because he was one of the multiple players who received a suspension for gambling prior to the 2023 season. Before that suspension, the 27-year-old was a contributor on Detroit's offense from 2020 to 2022.
In three seasons, Cephus recorded 37 receptions on 60 targets for 568 yards and four touchdowns. The former Wisconsin Badger was able to use his big frame to put up solid stats as a fourth or fifth option. Sadly, his suspension led to the Lions releasing him.
Cephus was reinstated by the NFL on August 18, 2024. Following that, he signed a one-year contract with the Buffalo Bills, but he was unable to make it to training camp, getting released in May. Then, he was picked up by the Houston Texans, but was released on final roster cut day.
Cephus spent most of 2024 on the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad and was signed to a reserve/futures contract when their season ended. Unfortunately, the Rams waived him in June.
Cephus then received a tryout from the 49ers on Monday due to the injuries they are facing. Although he wasn't the first player from the tryout to sign, San Francisco offered him a contract after second-year receiver Jacob Cowing hurt his hamstring in practice.
Even though the Macon, GA native was signed by the 49ers, there's no guarantee he will make the roster. The ex-Wisconsin product will need to make the most of the chances he gets while others are injured.
That being said, Lions fans are glad their receiving corps isn't looking like the 49ers, and they don't have to rely on a player like Cephus for production. Even with a new offensive coordinator, Detroit's passing attack looks to dominate again in 2025.