Detroit Lions: Evaluating the 2019 Free Agent Class

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 08: Wide receiver Danny Amendola #80 of the Detroit Lions reacts after scoring a 47 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. The Lions and Cardinals tied 27-27. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Danny Amendola

Position: Wide Receiver

Age: 34

Contract terms: Signed through 2019, $4.25 million

2019 statistics through 15 games: 60 receptions, 662 yards, 1 touchdown

Analysis: When considering monetary, statistical and intangible factors, this likely ranks as the Lions’ best free-agent signing of 2019. Though he hasn’t scored a touchdown since Week 1, Amendola has been a steady and at times outstanding receiving option out of the slot for whichever quarterback is throwing to him. He needs just 28 receiving yards in the season’s last game to set a new career-high.

Upon being released by the Miami Dolphins in March, Amendola jumped at the chance to join the Lions, and to be reunited with Patricia; the two spent four seasons together in New England. Aside from his impressive physical ability even at age 34, his tough, no-nonsense, football-first nature was a good fit in the Lions’ locker room, despite their sorry record.

The Lions would be well-served to add some young talent to their receiving corps this offseason, whether through free agency, the draft, or both. That should not, however, preclude them from bringing back Amendola on another short term deal. If the interest is mutual, this should be a no brainer.

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