Detroit Lions: 3 free agent gambles at wide receiver

Laquon Treadwell, WR

At this point of the offseason, beggars can’t be choosers. And as the free agency pool is shallow, you might have to take a risk to try and find a potential difference-maker. And Laquon Treadwell certainly qualifies as that.

The former first-round bust for the Minnesota Vikings resurfaced on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad last year. Treadwell was promoted to the active roster in December and in five games was targeted seven times, recorded six catches for 49 yards, and posted two touchdowns. Those scores being the most of his five-year NFL career.

Coming out of college, Treadwell tore up the SEC as a junior in 2015 racking up 82 receptions for 1,153 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games for the Rebels. At the time, he was even touted by some as a potential replacement for Calvin Johnson (who had just retired) in Detroit.

Still only 25-years old, the Detroit Lions would be banking on Laquon Treadwell finally unlocking the potential he showed coming out of Ole Miss that got him drafted 23rd overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. It’s a low-cost investment that could pay high dividends.