Even though the Detroit Lions were relatively quiet during free agency in March, the moves they did make have already been seriously shaken up by what happened at the NFL Draft. It's no secret that the Tyleik Williams selection could have some big repercussions on the d-line, but one of the biggest free agency losers was on the offensive side of the ball.
Detroit's lack of activity in signing wide receivers likely telegraphed that they'd be drafting at the position, but their draft (and immediate post-draft) moves mean the only free agent wideout they signed could be sent packing before ever getting a chance to play a snap.
Ronnie Bell Already on the Lions' Chopping Block After Signing in Free Agency
The Lions' signing of Ronnie Bell actually happened back in January when they signed the former San Francisco 49er (and before that, former Michigan Wolverine) to a future/reserve contract.
At 24 years old and having already appeared in 26 NFL games after being a seventh-round pick, Bell figured to be a nice depth piece with plenty of upside for the Lions. Or at least, it seemed that way before the draft.
Obviously, the big addition for Detroit was Isaac TeSlaa. But he's competing for a role much higher on the depth chart than Bell would have been. Doubling down on receiver, though, with Georgia's Dominic Lovett in the seventh round, sent a clear message.
That message was amplified when the draft ended and the Lions added two more undrafted free agents at the position in Jackson Meeks and Jakobie Keeney-James.
The tricky thing for Bell is that he may well not be able to stick around on the practice squad. Having the experience he does already, this is someone that other teams may poach if the 49ers choose to waive him. And with enough depth at receiver, that's a risk that the Lions won't be shy to take if their rookies impress.