Lions Running Out of Time to Sign Perfect Free Agent WR

The Detroit Lions improved to 13-2 for the season over the weekend but still have work to do to secure the NFC North title and the first-round bye. Their Week 18 clash against the Vikings will likely determine the seeding in the NFC.

Right now, the Lions are +390 favorites to win the Super Bowl on FanDuel Sportsbook, followed by the Chiefs and the Bills at +450 and +470. There's a very good chance the Lions would face one of these teams in the Super Bowl if they win the NFC.

Therefore, the Lions must take advantage of every small edge over these teams, including the free-agent market. Detroit could turn to several available free agents to upgrade its wide receiver corps while preventing their rivals, namely the Chiefs, from strengthening their roster.

One obvious name on the market is Odell Beckham Jr. The veteran pass-catcher was released by the Miami Dolphins last week and wasn't claimed. He is still waiting for his next opportunity to land with a Super Bowl contender like he did with the Los Angeles Rams a few seasons ago.

The Lions could certainly use another competent wideout. Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to be one of the best receivers in the game, and Jameson Williams does enough. However, the rest of the WR rotation leaves plenty to be desired. Tim Patrick is a nice comeback story, but he's hard to trust as a WR3 deep in the postseason.

Beckham wasn't good for the Dolphins this season but didn't receive many opportunities. Last year with the Ravens, he put up 35 catches for 565 yards and three touchdowns and showed he can still be a dangerous deep-ball threat.

As important as strengthening their own offense, the Chiefs can't allow their rivals to add to their roster. The Chiefs could be interested in OBJ after WR Justin Watson struggled immensely in Week 16.

The Lions are as close to winning a Super Bowl as they have been in a very long time. They need to make sure they are not leaving any stone unturned. If taking a flyer on Beckham Jr. could give them a small edge over their opponents in the postseason, they should seriously consider it.

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