Detroit Lions free agency: Expiring contracts at wide receiver

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 02: Bruce Ellington #12 of the Detroit Lions fights for yardage against the Los Angeles Rams during the first halfat Ford Field on December 2, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 02: Bruce Ellington #12 of the Detroit Lions fights for yardage against the Los Angeles Rams during the first halfat Ford Field on December 2, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Not talked about as much as other positions on the current roster, the Detroit Lions have a bigger need at wide receiver than many realize.

Outside the top two receiving options, the Detroit Lions are thin at the position of wide receiver.

With free agency coming up, there’s a few decisions to make regarding a few of their pass catchers from 2018.

Bruce Ellington

Expressed his interest in returning to the Lions but is unlikely to get re-signed. Still, his impact was felt once injuries struck midseason. Ellington was the closest thing to Golden Tate once he got traded. Once he got plucked off the street, his yards after the catch ability was on full display.

The injury bug hasn’t been kind to Bruce. Actually has part of his hamstring missing. The Lions would be wise to move on. I could see him competing for a spot in camp.

T.J. Jones

Always doing enough to get noticed but not enough to really stand out. A mutual parting makes sense for both parties.

Jones has shown too much inconsistencies in his play to warrant re-signing. He’ll likely cost more than what Detroit would like to pay. Matthew Stafford routinely used him as a third-down safety valve. Even with all the extra playing time, T.J. failed to execute at a high enough level to sign a new contract. Sadly, I think he’ll have to find success elsewhere.

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Conclusion

Undoubtedly, free agency has a solid class of wide receivers, as does the NFL Draft. Upgrades can be made and moving on from both pass catchers makes the most sense.

Spending top dollar wouldn’t serve the Detroit Lions well, especially when Kenny Golladay is due for a big pay-day. I’d love to see them sign a mid-tier free agent and use a mid-round draft choice to fill out the depth at the position.