It's a critical training camp period for the Detroit Lions, who are still desperate to break through and make the franchise's first Super Bowl despite great success in recent years. Head coach Dan Campbell's team is once again expected to be among the NFC's elite teams, yet they face stiff challenges after losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
That said, the Lions still have one of the league's best offenses, led by a stellar skill position group and beloved quarterback Jared Goff. With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and Sam LaPorta, Detroit is in fantastic shape.
Not every pass-catching weapon is going to make the final roster, though. In fact, one veteran playmaker is on the outside looking in at a roster spot at training camp.
The Lions have signed WR Ronnie Bell to a Reserve/Future Contract
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Lions WR Ronnie Bell Facing Uphill Climb to Make Roster
25-year-old wideout Ronnie Bell, who was originally a seventh round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, was signed on a one-year deal worth just over $1 million this offseason. He's had an underwhelming professional career, notching just eight catches for 90 yards total, and it's hard to imagine him beating out some of the other players this fall.
St. Brown, Williams, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, and third-round rookie Isaac TeSlaa are all firmly ahead on the depth chart. Leaving one or two spots between Bell, Dominic Lovett, Tom Kennedy, Jakobie Keeney-James, and Malik Taylor. Lovett appears to have a leg up in the competition at this moment, though Bell does have local times having played for the Michigan Wolverines.
Theoretically, the versatile and speedy Bell could be a gadget player in this offense, though it depends how new offensive coordinator John Morton envisions his schemes. In all likelihood, Bell will be given an opportunity to stick on the practice squad, though the competition appears far too stiff for him to break camp on the 53-man roster.
That doesn't mean it's over for Bell, and he's got a chance to wow the coaching staff over the next few weeks. With some strong performances in the preseason, perhaps he can stick around or even get signed by another team should he be waived. Bell is fighting for his NFL career, so keep a close eye on him as training camp progresses.