Despite a need at the position, the Detroit Lions did not come away with a single wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, which could leave general manager Brad Holmes and Co. in search of one in free agency.
But a new name has recently hit the open market, with the Jacksonville Jaguars releasing wide receiver Zay Jones on Tuesday — and the Lions should absolutely be interested.
Jones, 29, is coming off an injury-riddled season in which he totaled 321 yards in nine games, but the campaign before that, Jones tallied a career-best 823 yards and he played in at least 16 games in each of the three seasons prior to 2023.
The veteran wideout also offers versatility with his experience playing in the slot and out wide, and he can make plays at all three levels of the field.
Detroit has no shortage of question marks in its receiving corps. going into the 2024 campaign, outside of Amon-Ra St. Brown, of course.
It's hard to know what the Lions can expect out of Jameson Williams in his third season, and Kalif Raymond, who is ideally a No. 4 option on the depth chart, stands to be Detroit's No. 3 receiver. The Lions also have Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tre'Quan Smith, but neither is a lock to make the roster, let alone have a significant impact.
Jones would add much-needed competition behind St. Brown and Williams, and he could very well carve out a role for himself if he makes the cut.
