5 remaining free agent options for the Detroit Lions to replace DJ Chark
4. Julio Jones
2022 Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jones is far more name than game at this point, 34 years old now as he has struggled to stay on the field and be productive when he has been fit to play. He last played more than 10 games in 2019, his second-to-last season with the Atlanta Falcons. Naturally, his catch totals have been 51, 31 and 24 the last three seasons with the Falcons, Titans and Buccaneers respectively.
That said, last season was the first time Jones didn’t average at least 14 yards per catch since 2015. So in the right role, however small or specialized in the name of keeping him healthy more often than not, there may still be a little something to cultivate here.
The Lions are down to this type of wide receiver in free agency if they want to go that direction, and Jones wouldn’t necessarily have to be promised anything–up to an including a final 53-man roster spot.
3. DeAndre Carter
2022 Team: Los Angeles Chargers
Carter has had a well-traveled NFL career, five teams in five seasons despite spending the last two in one spot. Last season with the Chargers, with opportunity knocking as Keenan Allen and Mike Williams were banged up, he set career-highs with 46 catches for 538 yards.
Carter reportedly took a visit with the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday, as his market appears to be starting to move a little. Or heat up, as Jordan Schultz of The Score put it. The Lions could be among the teams with interest in him.
Source: WR DeAndre Carter is visiting the #Raiders today. The #Chargers’ FA comes off career-bests with 46/548/3 and was a special teams ace as well. Carter’s market is heating up, with a few other teams in the mix as well.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 24, 2023