Lions Encouraged to Target $43 Million WR to Fill ‘Glaring’ Needs

admin | January 21, 2024 | Other Clubs | No Comments

The Detroit Lions’ strong passing game has helped them go within one game of the NFC Championship.

However, one source believes that there is still room for growth throughout the offseason.

In an article recommending 10 free agents that the Lions should target in the next offseason, USA Today’s Lions Wire stated that there are still several “glaring” roster needs in Detroit, including the “secondary needs work, the pass rush needs more depth, and the receiver needs size.” According to the article, a pass-catcher with height and experience would be ideal.

Lions Could Target Bengals Veteran

The article mentioned Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd as a possible addition. Boyd, who stands 6-foot-2, would bring size to the slot and provide the team with another established receiver in addition to Amon-Ra St. Brown. Boyd had two 1,000-yard seasons with the Bengals after being picked in 2016, with 513 catches for 6,000 yards and 31 touchdowns during his time in Cincinnati.

Boyd’s four-year, $43 million contract with the Bengals is up, and he is likely to garner some interest in free agency. The Pittsburgh native has spoken out about the possibility of joining the rival Steelers, claiming he already has a connection with head coach Mike Tomlin.

“You never know,” Boyd told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “I adore coach Tomlin. He’s definitely one of the most genuine guys in the sports profession. Obviously, I played at Pitt, and I had a lot of run-ins with him, mostly concerning football. His personality is more akin to a father figure. It’s an excellent link, but who knows? Even if I don’t move after this year, I could do a one-year contract at the end of my career and possibly finish up, but who knows.”

The Lions will face some difficult decisions in free agency, including the future of quarterback Jared Goff, who is entering his final contract season.Sportrac’s Michael Ginnitti expected that the Lions would extend Goff’s contract for four years and $180 million.

Lions Have Another Receiver in Waiting

The Lions may already have a rising star at wide receiver in second-year player Jameson Williams. After a difficult start to his career, including a rookie season cut short by injuries and a four-game gambling suspension to begin this year, Williams has developed into a dependable pass-catcher for the Lions.

Williams played in 12 games this season, totaling 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns. According to the Detroit News, he played 70% of the team’s snaps in the January 14 wild-card round win over the Los Angeles Rams, ranking third among receivers.

The second-year receiver has become popular with fans, frequently connecting with them in public.

“It’s been like that since last year,” Williams told the Detroit News. “I will be in public places, restaurants, and everywhere. Like workers, guy, everywhere. Some people even notice my car and approach it, pulling up alongside me, but I don’t roll down the windows. But I see them all the time. “Love is everywhere, you know?”