3. N’Keal Harry, Free Agent
Back on the Harry bandwagon here. He is already in the books as a failed first-round pick by the New England Patriots. And an ankle injury late in training camp sidelined him for the early part of last season with the Chicago Bears.
In seven games he ultimately played in for the Bears, Harry had seven catches (on nine targets) for 116 yards and one touchdown over 176 snaps. However, he did have a notable highlight–in a brief flash of the potential that made him a first-round pick.
FIELDS TO N'KEAL HARRY!
— NFL (@NFL) December 4, 2022
📺: #GBvsCHI on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/P31SxnTZpJ pic.twitter.com/yvcAR8t7lu
Harry is a big receiver (6-foot-4, 225 pounds) the Lions could find a way to use, and he is still just 25 years old. Taking a shot on someone of his ilk should be on the radar.
2. Rashard Higgins, Free Agent
Higgins only played three games and nine offensive snaps for the Carolina Panthers last season, but he did not appear to ever be injured. Dean Jones from our friends over at Cat Crave said it all. But Higgins also apparently drew the ire of former head coach Matt Rhule for a touchdown celebration during practice.
"The mysterious disappearance of Rashard Higgins from the Carolina Panthers’ plans was bizarre. Despite his previous solid production with the Cleveland Browns, there was something preventing the coaching staff from placing any confidence in the wide receiver, who attained just nine snaps on offense during the campaign after catching the eye in training camp."
Higgins showed flashes of promise previously with the Cleveland Browns, averaging 14.7 (2018) and 16.2 yards per catch (2020) in a season. Running afoul of Rhule, who was in over his head as an NFL head coach, should not be held against him. The Lions could see plenty to like here.