One of the first big decisions Brad Holmes had as Detroit Lions' general manager was what to do with wide receiver Kenny Golladay. The 2019 Pro Bowler with two 1,000-yard seasons on his resume was coming off playing just five games in 2020. So franchise tag him? Sign him to a long-term deal?
Holmes chose neither, and Golladay got a nice contract from the New York Giants. His first season there was disappointing (37 receptions for 521 yards, zero touchdowns). But that was nothing compared to last season (six catches for 81 yards), as a new coaching staff had no equity with him. So he was a no-brainer offseason cut, and that's what happened.
In a vacuum, even now entering his age-30 season, Golladay deserves a spot on an NFL roster or at least a chance to earn said spot somewhere. But flimsy speculation about a reunion with the Lions or a more realistic thoughts of a reunion with Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles did not yield anything. There are other teams who could have considered taking a flier on him during training camp--and no one did.
Kenny Golladay finally gets a look from a team right before the season starts
On Wednesday, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported the New York Jets had Golladay in as part of a workout.
The #Jets aren't signing Kenny Golladay at this time. Others in the workout included former #Ravens QB Anthony Brown, RB Ellis Merriweather and WRs James Proche and Jeff Smith. https://t.co/VcoBOiLMoI
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 6, 2023
The Jets seem to be pretty well set at wide receiver, which makes any level of interest in Golladay surprising. But down the depth chart among the seven wide receivers currently on their 53-man roster, in part due to Corey Davis' sudden retirement, they do lack experience. So in that sense, kicking the tires on Golladay makes some sense. With Aaron Rodgers under center they are in all-in mode, and his history of lamenting the work of young receivers is notable.
If any Lions' fans were wondering what happened to Golladay/if he was on a new team, the answer is out there now. From being cut by the Giants in March to an early September workout with the Jets, there was no known interest in him. It's hard to say his NFL career is totally on the ropes just yet, but it's also not a stretch to say it.