Lions May Target Wide Receivers in Free Agency
Ben Johnson, the coordinator, has the Detroit Lions’ offense ranked among the best in the league.
With seasoned quarterback Jared Goff as the leader, the offense has produced at a very high caliber. There is a strong group of offensive linemen and playmakers surrounding the quarterback.
Wide receiver is one of the spots where Detroit must make judgments. Donovan Peoples-Jones and Josh Reynolds, two key players in the passing offense in 2023, are also free agents.
The Lions may therefore be looking to recruit a pass-catcher via free agency. When free agency opens in March, Detroit should focus on these three wide-outs.
Michael Evans
Evans is the one to call if Detroit wants to make a big impression. Throughout his career, the Texas A&M graduate has been outstanding, recording ten consecutive seasons of 1,000 yards or more.
As an outside vertical threat, he fits into the Lions’ attack, ideally complementing All-Pro slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Evans’ production is evident in his ability to overwhelm opposing corners down the field by using his size.
Evans’ negotiations for a new contract with the Buccaneers have not gone as planned. He may, therefore, definitely enter the free agency market.
Nonetheless, the Lions would have to pay a hefty price to sign a contract that would see him earn about $23 million a year.
The Lions may target late-round EDGE prospects in the 2024 draft.
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Davis, Gabe
Gabe Davis, who has grown into a useful weapon for the Bills’ offense, may be a more realistic possibility for the Lions. Although Davis may not produce as much as Evans, he is still a very dangerous player downfield and an intriguing talent.
Throughout his career, he has averaged 16.7 yards per reception and has scored six touchdowns or more in each of his four NFL seasons. He has given some of his best efforts in the postseason, like in the 2021 postseason, when he scored four touchdowns against Kansas City.
There are some consistency problems with Davis. In 2023, he had five games with over 80 receiving yards and three games with 100 yards, but he also had five games without a reception.
He will need to grow in this area because his inability to separate has contributed to that. Though he will only be 25 when the season begins, he is an intriguing deep-threat option nonetheless.
Davis is a good fit at a lower cost if the Lions are unwilling to pursue the more expensive, high-priced players.
Nick Ikhine Westbrook
Although Westbrook-Ikhine doesn’t have very impressive numbers or productivity, he nonetheless matches the Lions’ needs. As a powerful wide receiver who isn’t afraid to block, he can act as Goff’s safety net.
Since Dan Campbell became head coach, the Indiana product’s experience on special teams has also made a significant impact on the Lions’ depth receivers.
With 94 catches in four seasons, Westbrook-Ikhine is anticipated to fetch a one-year contract worth about $2.5 million. For the Lions, who could use him on special teams and in a deep role, this would be a great deal.
