The Detroit Lions don't have many question marks on what is an impressive roster ahead of the 2024 NFL season, but the wide receiver position has a few.
Not only do we not know what to expect from third-year wide receiver Jameson Williams, who the Lions need more out of in 2024, but Detroit is also lacking reliable depth options behind Williams and No. 1 receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, after the departure of Josh Reynolds in free agency.
With that in mind, ESPN's Bill Barnwell believes the Lions and Houston Texans should strike a deal involving veteran wideout, Robert Woods. Barnwell believes a swap of Day 3 picks would be enough to get it done. Here are his thoughts:
Reynolds left for the Broncos in free agency, and the Lions haven't signed a replacement. The organization obviously has high hopes for Jameson Williams after trading up for the speedy wideout in Round 1 of the 2022 draft, but Williams has missed time with injuries and a suspension and hasn't been impressive when on the field. He's also a different sort of player from Reynolds. Donovan Peoples-Jones could figure in as a Reynolds replacement, but Detroit could use another veteran in this receiving corps.
The Texans wouldn't get much more than salary relief and a swap of Day 3 picks, but if former Rams executive Brad Holmes -- who's now Detroit's GM -- could persuade Woods to take a pay cut down to the $1.5 million range, a trade here could benefit both parties.
At 32 years old, Woods is not the player he once was. After a dreadful season with the Titans in 2022, Woods followed that up with 426 receiving yards and one touchdown in 14 games with the Texans last season.
At this stage in his career, Woods isn't much (and maybe not at all) better than what the Lions have already. That said, if it only costs a late-round pick swap and Woods is willing to take less, the move couldn't hurt.
