This is the second in our series previewing the Detroit Lions’ needs heading into free agency. The legal tampering window opens at noon on Monday, and deals can be signed starting at 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. Today: Wide receiver and Tight Ends. Previously: Quarterbacks
Under contract: Wide receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Antoine Green. Tight ends: Sam LaPorta, Brock Wright,
Restricted free agent: Shane Zylstra
Best available free agents: Davante Adams (Jets), Stefon Diggs (Texans), Keenan Allen (Bears), Amari Cooper (Bills), Chris Godwin (Buccaneers)
Potential Lions fits and other free agents: Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (Titans), Mike Williams (Steelers), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Saints), DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs), D.J. Chark (Chargers)
Breakdown: Josh Reynolds’ departure to the Denver Broncos last season created a void at WR3, one that Donovan Peoples-Jones was expected to lock down heading into the new year. However, an underwhelming training camp from Peoples-Jones left the Lions scrambling. Fortunately, they landed veteran receiver Tim Patrick, who had been released by the Broncos ahead of the season.
Patrick proved to be a solid option for Detroit, finishing with nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns. While his chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff improved as the season progressed, he lacked the dynamic playmaking ability that made Reynolds such a key piece of the Lions’ offense.
I still think it’s important for Detroit to bring Patrick back for another season. A full offseason and training camp with the Lions could make a significant difference, especially under new offensive coordinator John Morton. Not only does Morton specialize in working with receivers, but he also spent a season with Patrick in Denver.
That said, Patrick will be 32 in November, and the Lions need to inject youth into the WR3 spot, especially with Peoples-Jones and Antoine Green not appearing to be viable options. Unless they address the position in the draft, free agency doesn’t offer many younger, big-bodied receivers, leaving Detroit to explore veteran options.
Among the most viable free-agent fits, our list includes only receivers 6-foot-2 or taller. One name I consider a longshot is DeAndre Hopkins. At 6-foot-1 and turning 33 in June, Hopkins doesn’t fit the Lions’ typical mold for WR3. However, the five-time Pro Bowler is coming off a productive season with the Kansas City Chiefs, proving he still has playmaking ability.
Pairing him with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta could allow the savvy veteran to thrive simply from the attention those players command. If the Chiefs don’t re-sign him, it’s an intriguing option to consider.
Another potential but unlikely option is D.J. Chark. He has familiarity with Jared Goff and the receiving corps, along with firsthand knowledge of the standard in Detroit, having spent a season with the Lions. At 28 years old, he could return on a team-friendly deal to re-establish himself. However, his injury history is a concern, making it more likely the Lions pass. At best, he could be a training camp invite if other teams don’t show interest.
As for more realistic fits, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Mike Williams stand out.
Westbrook-Ikhine makes a lot of sense for Detroit. He’ll be 28 when the season starts, offering a balance of youth and experience. At 6-foot-2, 211 pounds, he brings versatility — capable of playing inside and taking hits across the middle or lining up outside to stretch the field. He also has a nose for the end zone, finishing last season with 32 receptions for 497 yards and nine touchdowns.
The Lions saw his ability firsthand during their 52-14 win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 8, when he was the only Titans receiver to score.
Valdes-Scantling has bounced around the league but remains productive regardless of who is under center. The 30-year-old has familiarity with the NFC North, having spent his first four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, and he brings a championship pedigree as a two-time Super Bowl winner with the Chiefs. The 6-foot-4 veteran could serve as both a contributor and a mentor to younger receivers.
Williams’ market remains uncertain, but when healthy, he’s a proven playmaker. If the price is right, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lions take a chance on a receiver who has consistently challenged defenses with his ability to make tough catches.
By now, you’re probably wondering why potential tight end targets haven’t been mentioned for the Lions in free agency.
That’s fair.
But with Sam LaPorta coming off another season of at least 700 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, and Brock Wright under contract for two more years, the position isn’t a pressing need. The Lions could also bring back Shane Zylstra on a team-friendly deal.
If they decide to move on from Zylstra, who is a restricted free agent, Hayden Hurst could be worth a look. While his production has dipped in recent years compared to his time in Baltimore, Atlanta, and Cincinnati, he’s a savvy veteran who could provide reliable depth and step up if LaPorta were to miss time. Plus, he wouldn’t come with a hefty price tag.
