Lions Urged to Sign Veteran WR With ‘Game-Breaking’ Speed

The Detroit Lions might use some help rounding out their wide receiver corps, and one rumor advises pursuing a proven veteran with considerable speed – former US Olympian and NFL journeyman Marquise Goodwin.

Bleacher Report compiled a list of all 32 teams’ remaining requirements, indicating that the Lions may require some additional assistance in their receiving corps. The source suggested that Goodwin, who recently finished a season with the Cleveland Browns and has yet to find a new team, could be a natural addition.

Lions Need Proven Depth.

According to the report, the Lions lost a proven target in Josh Reynolds this offseason and now have “project” 2022 first-round pick Jameson Williams. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, Williams missed the majority of his rookie season while recovering from an injury and the first four games of the 2023 season while serving a gambling suspension. As he enters his third season, his position in the offense remains unclear.

While the Lions did deal for receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones last year, the report said they may still benefit from extra alternatives behind top receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.

“However, some receiver insurance wouldn’t hurt,” the report added. “Despite playing sparingly for Cleveland last season, Marquise Goodwin still has game-changing pace. He’d add value as a fourth or fifth situational target.”

Goodwin, 33, competed in the long jump at the 2012 Summer Olympics and joined the NFL in 2013 as a Buffalo Bills draft pick. Over the course of ten NFL seasons, he made 191 catches for 3,090 yards and 18 touchdowns, but he also dealt with injuries and uneven play at times.

The Lions have already gained depth to their wide receiver group with a rookie minicamp standout, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garofolo on X.

“Former #AZCardinals WR Kaden Davis is signing with the Lions after attending rookie camp on a tryout basis, per his agent @seanstellato,” Garofolo tweeted. “Davis, who had eight catches and a TD last preseason, was on Arizona’s practice squad last season and was active for one game as well.”

Lock Down Top Receiver

While the Lions may want further assistance at the bottom of the receiver depth chart, the team appears solidified at the top after signing St. Brown to a hefty contract extension this offseason. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the two parties have agreed to a four-year agreement totaling more than $120 million in new money, including $77 million in total guarantees.

St. Brown spoke up before of last month’s NFL Draft, claiming it’s been a bizarre experience coming to Detroit and witnessing the team emerge from the conference basement to become Super Bowl contenders. St. Brown was a key figure in that climb and last season’s run to the NFC Championship Game.

“The whole journey that I’ve had is surprising, just being here with the guys that came in,” he remarked on the team’s website. “A lot of the nucleus is still present.

“To me, it’s like a Cinderella story. The entire journey seems unreal.”