Quietly, one of the Detroit Lions who benefited most from the team's offseason decisions leading into the draft was Tom Kennedy. The veteran was pushed into a possible return role, with the possibility of joining the special teams unit rising after Kalif Raymond's departure in free agency. Fans love Kennedy, and the receiver has long been on the outside, doing just enough to remain rostered, but not being given a large role. It seems that this theme could continue despite the clear opening after the draft brought in Kendrick Law.
The speedster appears to be a clear threat as a returner and makes sense as a potential depth option. Kennedy has gone from being a clear contributor to yet again being put into the familiar role of fighting for his position. While it is a wise move from Detroit that improves the team's depth at the position, it has to be disheartening for Kennedy.
Law isn't a threat to join the team's starting lineup, but he has been put in a position to fight with Kennedy on the team's depth chart. Detroit is heading into the 2026 season with a wide-open opportunity when it comes to how things shake out behind the starting trio of Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa.
This works in Law's favor and to the detriment of Kennedy, who is coming off a season with only four catches for 36 yards. The receiver's most productive season came in 2022 when Kennedy finished with eight catches for 144 receiving yards.
Lions Clearly Put Tom Kennedy on Notice with Selection of Kendrick Law
Kennedy being put on notice is a fair decision by the front office that is looking to replace Raymond with TeSlaa and has no idea about the potential depth behind the pass catcher. Betting on Kennedy to be an important part of the offense without any viable competition wasn't a winning strategy for the Lions.
Now, you have not only Law to compete with Kennedy for depth roles but also free agent signing Greg Dortch, who offers exciting upside. While this might be a bit frustrating from the perspective of the Detroit veteran, it is the right move for the Lions as the team retools the offense and prepares for an offense and special teams unit without Raymond.
With all of that said, the door remains very much open for Kennedy to fight his way into a contributing role both on offense and special teams. Drafting Law isn't the end of the road, but simply serves as a warning that there is clear competition ahead. Signaling that Detroit understands the need for improvement and isn't content simply counting on veteran pieces to deliver.
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