Wide Receivers Lions Could Target in Free Agency

Could the Lions make a splash in free agency?

The Detroit Lions' offense ranks among the best units in the league under the command of coordinator Ben Johnson. 

Led by a steady veteran passer in Jared Goff, the offense has produced at an elite level. The quarterback has been surrounded by a talented cast of playmakers and offensive linemen. 

Detroit has decisions to make at several positions, including at wide receiver. Josh Reynolds, who was a huge part of the passing attack in 2023, is a free agent as is Donovan Peoples-Jones. 

As a result, the Lions could be looking to add a pass-catcher through free agency. Here are three wide receivers Detroit should target when free agency begins in March. 

Mike Evans

If Detroit is looking to make a serious splash, Evans is the guy. With 10 straight 1,000-yard seasons, the Texas A&M product has been exceptional throughout his career. 

He fits the Lions offense as an outside vertical threat, which would perfectly compliment All-Pro slot receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. Evans' production speaks for itself, as he's able to use his size to overwhelm opposing corners down the field. 

Evans' talks with the Buccaneers regarding a new contract have not produced the desired results. As a result, he could certainly hit the free agency market. 

However, the current projected contract for him lands around $23 million annually, which would be a steep price for the Lions to pay. 

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Gabe Davis

A potentially more attainable option for the Lions could be Gabe Davis, who has developed into a nice weapon for the Bills' offense. While not having the production of Evans, Davis is an intriguing player who is also huge threat going downfield. 

He's averaged 16.7 yards per reception in his career and has scored at least six touchdowns in all four of his NFL seasons. Some of his best performances have been in the postseason, too, including a four-touchdown game against Kansas City in the 2021 postseason. 

Davis does have some consistency issues. While he had three 100-yard games and five total games over 80 yards receiving in 2023, he also had five games where he didn't have a catch. 

His struggles to separate have played a part in that, so this is an area where he'll need to develop. Still, he's an interesting deep threat option who will be just 25 when the season starts. 

If the Lions are unwilling to target the more expensive, high-priced players, Davis would be a solid fit at a more affordable price. 

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

Westbrook-Ikhine doesn't have flashy stats or production, but he fits a mold for the Lions that is needed. He is a big-bodied wide receiver who is not scared to block and can serve as a safety net for Goff. 

The Indiana product has experience on special teams as well, which has been a difference-making quality for the Lions' depth receivers since Dan Campbell took over as head coach. 

Westbrook-Ikhine has 94 catches over four seasons and is expected to command a contract of around $2.5 million for one year. This would be a solid bargain for the Lions who could utilize him in a depth role and on special teams.