5 Free Agent Wide Receivers the Detroit Lions Should Target

Rishard Matthews

Though younger than Kamar Aiken, this  soon to be former Miami Dolphins wide receiver was having a career year before suffering a season ending rib injury. Matthews isn’t a burner, running a 4.62 coming out of Nevada in 2012, but speed isn’t where he wins.  The former Wolf Pack receiver wins with strong hands and pure physicality, who could give Matthew Stafford a reliable outside receiver who can muscle through corners and fight for passes in traffic.

2016 was a career year for Rishard Matthews, ending with a modest 43 catches for 662 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Adding to that, his season ending rib injury will require medical consideration.  Taking those things into consideration, the 26 year old wide receiver shouldn’t break the bank and could be a cost-effective replacement for at least part of Calvin Johnson’s game if he leaves. With Jim Caldwell returning, the team is going to need solid role players to pick up the slack.

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