5 Detroit Lions starters who may not be back in 2019

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Ford Field on November 22, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 22: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the Detroit Lions celebrates his touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Ford Field on November 22, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images
Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images /

Luke Willson, Tight End

Age: 29
Height/Weight: 6-5, 251
Years in NFL: 6
Games started in 2018: 8
2018 Stats: 13 recs, 87 yards
2018 Salary: $2.5 million
2019 Status: Free Agent

Analysis: The fact is Luke Willson is no Eric Ebron. And for Lions’ fans, that’s not saying much. What that means for Willson is he’s likely played his last game for Detroit.

After the Lions released Ebron last offseason, Detroit looked to free agency to replace his production. They signed Willson and veteran tight end Levine Toilolo to do the job, both to one-year contracts.

While Toilolo seemed to come on towards the end of the season, Willson was simply a non-factor in the passing game all year. And the fact former 2017 fourth rounder tight end Michael Roberts was limited to just eight games due to injury really highlighted Willson’s lack of production as a receiver. His value was primarily as a blocker alone. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that will be enough to earn Willson another deal in the Motor City.

Next. 5 trades the Lions should consider in 2019. dark

Those are our five starters for the Detroit Lions who could be playing elsewhere in 2019. What did you think of our list? Was there a player we missed? Who do you think should be the starting in Motown instead? Tell us in the comment section below.

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