Detroit Lions: 3 free-agent wide receivers to watch closely
Entering free agency next month, the Detroit Lions have plenty of voids to fill on their roster. And while it’s unknown how Motown will approach free agency with a new regime at the helm, the team’s wide receiver corps will surely get some attention.
With Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones Jr., Danny Amendola, Mohamed Sanu, and Jamal Agnew all scheduled to become unrestricted free agents next month, the Lions have some work to do to simply fill out their depth chart at the receiver position for this upcoming season.
Previewing the upcoming free agency class, here are three veteran wide receivers with ties to the organization that make a lot of sense as potential additions in March.
Josh Reynolds
A fourth-round selection by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017, new Lions general manager Brad Holmes undoubtedly had a hand in drafting Josh Reynolds out of Texas A&M as the former director of college scouting for the Rams.
Having spent his first four seasons in Los Angeles with Jared Goff as his quarterback, Reynolds makes a lot of sense as a free agent target for Detroit next month. Especially considering the 6-foot-3, 196-pound wideout posted career-highs in both receptions (52) and receiving yards (618) last season with Goff under center.
Tyrell Williams
Recently released by the Las Vegas Raiders in the midst of a four-year, $44 million deal, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Tyrell Williams gained prominence as a member of the Los Angeles Chargers. Undrafted out of Western Oregon in 2015, Wiliams played two seasons under head coach Anthony Lynn, who is now the offensive coordinator in Detroit.
Under Lynn, Williams racked up 25 total starts and posted 84 receptions for 1,381 yards and nine touchdowns in a two-year span, earning himself a nice payday with the Raiders in 2019. Unfortunately, the 29-year old spent last season on Injured Reserve due to a shoulder injury.
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Sammy Watkins
Before winning a Super Bowl ring with the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-year old wideout Sammy Watkins played a single season with the Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Jared Goff. The two connected for 39 receptions for 593 yards and eight touchdowns in 2017.
While the Rams’ trade for the former-first round receiver only resulted in a very limited time together in Los Angeles, the previous relationship between Goff and Watkins could lead to a reunion in Detroit if the latter is allowed to hit the open market.