In an offseason filled with change and uncertainly, could Detroit Lions defensive back Jamal Agnew be making a big change, too?
With virtual meetings and a lack of in-person OTAs, the Detroit Lions might have a player shifting positions during all the existing uncertainty due to the world we’re currently living in. Defensive back Jamal Agnew might be changing things up heading into the 2020 season by switching sides of the ball.
The question of a position shift for Agnew came up during Peter King’s Football Morning In America column where he visited the Lions virtual classroom featuring the wide receiver group. He noted the players on the call and where they were calling from, including “converted DB Jamal Agnew (Detroit).”
The Lions’ curious wide receiver situation has been mentioned in a few different places as the team finds themselves without their three top wideouts under contract for the 2021 season. This shift could be for depth or it could be a sign of other things for Agnew.
Shifting Agnew to wide receiver is an interesting idea as he’s been used heavily in the return game during his past three seasons. He even posted a punt return and a kick return for a touchdown in 2019. Add those two touchdowns to the two punt return touchdowns he tallied in 2017 when he was selected as a First-Team All-Pro.
Could Agnew’s return job be in jeopardy after the selection of running back Jason Huntley in the draft? Huntley certainly has some speed and agility that would be necessary for the return role, but nothing is really pointing to him being used in that way … yet.
What’s more likely, is that Agnew is preparing to be yet another wrinkle in the offense for head coach Matt Patricia and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell. Agnew does have a total of three receptions in his career with Detroit, one coming last season. He also has four rushing attempts.
During an uncertain and unprecedented time, Jamal Agnew is making himself useful in multiple roles for this Detroit Lions team. His appearance in the wide receiver classroom might be simply keeping him up to speed on the position as he might need to fill in or add some misdirection at times. Or, it could be a sign of things to come for new players on the roster. Only time will tell.