About to wrap up the mandatory minicamp before taking a summer break until the training camp, the Detroit Lions are keeping their options open. Never hesitant to bring talent from spring football, the Lions just signed two wide receivers to add more playmaking depth. First reported by UFL insider James Larsen, the Lions are signing WRs Lucky Jackson and Tarik Black from the Louisville Kings.
Lions will now have 12 healthy WRs in training camp
Both Jackson and Black have some NFL experience, bouncing around on different practice squads. Jackson has spent extensive time with the Vikings over the last three years, suiting up in three games. Black, on the other hand, had a journeyman's career despite not appearing in an NFL game since 2021.
The two receivers played a big role in Louisville's UFL championship. Jackson had 32 catches for 392 yards and two touchdowns, while Black contributed with 27 catches, 387 yards, and three TDs.
The veteran wide receivers obviously face an uphill battle to make the Lions' roster. What they will be looking for is a spot on the practice squad. They will have the training camp to prove themselves over some of the other receivers on the roster.
After rookie WR Kendrick Law suffered a season-ending injury, the Lions moved quickly to sign Kyre Duplessis. With the additions of the two UFL standouts, Detroit will have 12 healthy receivers in training camp.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Isaac TeSlaa are the sure-fire starters. Behind them, Greg Dortch currently looks like the WR4, but everything else is up for grabs.
Cedrick Wilson Jr., Dominic Lovett, and Jackson Meeks will probably be battling it out for the WR5 spot or to take over Dortch for WR4.
A lot of this will come down to special teams impact. There is a hole in the punt return game after Kalif Raymond's departure, who was one of the best return men in the league for a while. Dortch currently has the inside track to be the punt returner, but things can change quickly at training camp. Running back Jacob Saylors, who was the kick returner last season, is on the roster bubble, so there could be another opportunity there.
Lucky Jackson had return duties in the UFL last season. That could be a way for him to differentiate himself from the rest of the WR corps, while Black will have to make an impact on the outside thanks to his solid physical and athletic tools.
While the Lions feel good about their WR room, they are still looking for more depth. How the rest of the rotation shakes out outside of the starters will be a fascinating training camp storyline.
Add us as a preferred source on Google