Back in May, the Detroit Lions decided to give veteran wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. from the Miami Dolphins a chance. Now his NFL career could be nearing the end of the line as training camp begins.
Wilson is set to compete in a crowded wide receiver room and is set to fight for a roster spot. Returning to lead the Lions' wide receiver room this season are Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, both of whom are coming off 1,000-plus receiving seasons. Isaac TeSlaa is also back following an impressive rookie showing with the Lions in which he produced 16 receptions for 239 yards and six touchdowns.
St. Brown and Williams are constants. TeSlaa looks to take a major step forward in his second season and be a crucial X factor in Detroit reclaiming its crown as NFC North champs for the third time in the last four years. Another offseason acquisition, Greg Dortch, appears to be emerging as the No. 4 option while also providing value on special teams as a punt returner.
Where exactly does Wilson, who was notably a late addition, potentially land in the Lions' wide receiver room? Is there even a place for him on the depth chart?
Can Cedrick Wilson Jr. earn a roster spot in the Detroit Lions' crowded WR room?
Wilson arrives in Detroit following previous stints with the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, and Miami Dolphins. The 2018 sixth-round pick out of Boise State, in his seven seasons in the league, has totaled 1,524 yards and 12 touchdowns.
How much gas Wilson has left in the tank remains to be seen. The 2018 sixth-round pick hasn't cleared the 300-yard mark in a single campaign since 2021 and doesn't offer much in the kicking game. He has a reputation as a willing blocker that could be his meal ticket, yet even that might not be enough.
Among the several things that could cost Wilson a roster spot with the Lions is his age, considering he turns 31 in November. While it can be a plus to have an experienced, well-traveled voice in the wide receiver room, Detroit may look to younger players to receive more playing time this season.
The younger wideouts that Wilson will be competing with are Dortch, Dominic Lovett, Tom Kennedy, and Malik Cunningham. Dortch could have an edge to earn a second-string spot given his familiarity with new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing from their overlapping stints with the Arizona Cardinals.
Wilson’s impact during training camp and in the Lions' three preseason games against the Cincinnati Bengals (Aug. 13), Washington Commanders (Aug. 22), and Indianapolis Colts (Aug. 29) will be worth monitoring. A strong showing in training camp and in preseason could result in him earning a roster spot come the Detroit's season opener against the New Orleans Saints on Sept. 13 at Ford Field.
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