3 wide receivers the Detroit Lions could sign

2. John Brown

After being let go by the Buffalo Bills, Brown signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in March. But he was usurped by younger players, and let go at final roster cuts. He had a workout with the Atlanta Falcons in September, but any trail of interest has gone cold since.

Brown has been a viable deep threat during his career with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and the Bills, with a career average of 14.8 yards per catch and two 1,000-yard seasons (2015 with the Cardinals, 2019 with the Bills) on his resume. In four of his seven seasons, he has had at least five touchdowns.

It’s a little odd that Brown has lingered available. But the Bills loaded wide receiver depth chart at wide receiver slowly pushed him out, and the Raiders decided to pave the way for Henry Ruggs and Bryan Edwards to play. Two teams cutting ties in fairly quick succession like that, and other teams might not have him on their list.

Brown may also prefer to sign with a contender, which might be why he is still available in mid-October. But if he wants to play this season, and hit the market again in the offseason with recent tape for teams to look at, he’ll have to take an opportunity at some point. That opportunity could very well come with the Lions.