4 Lions players who don't deserve to be back next season, and 2 who do

3. Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR

Since trading a sixth-round pick for wide receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones, the Lions have yet to reap any benefit. The tough part is, he is also a free agent after this season. As a former sixth rounder, Peoples-Jones gave Cleveland pretty good value there on a return.

Here's a stat: Peoples-Jones gives his quarterback a rating of just 18.9 when targeted this year (eight receptions on 19 targets). Now, he's been credited with zero drops, so that's not the cause. But, there clearly is a lack of chemistry between Peoples-Jones and Goff, as well as an inability to separate from coverage. The Lions have some talented wideouts in that room, and Peoples-Jones is just an example of a swing and a miss.

4. James Houston, EDGE

This one is tough, because back in Week 2, James Houston went down with a broken ankle. He would still like to return this season, potentially before the playoffs. But, Houston wasn't very good in his limited action earlier this year. The Lions have quite a few free agents at the pass rusher position, and may look to invest in a big-time player to start opposite of Aidan Hutchinson rather than bringing back some of their mediocre options.

Now, onto the guys who deserve another stint.