The Detroit Lions set their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. There were definitely some surprises , including the team choosing to keep just four wide receivers.
In all likelihood, the Lions just were not impressed with their internal options and were waiting to see who would become available on waivers and in free agency.
It’s almost assured that the Lions will have more than four wide receivers on their active roster when the season starts, though. And, they've reportedly already added one to the practice squad in veteran Tim Patrick, per ESPN's Adam Schefter .
But the Lions definitely should not stop there. Let’s identify six receivers who are currently available after cutdown day, whether that be on waivers or in free agency.
Wide receivers Lions should target
Noah Brown (free agent)
Brown might be the very best option available. The former seventh-round pick had his best season as a pro in 2023 with 567 yards and two touchdowns, and he only played 10 games.
The Lions would need him as their X, but he has experience playing in the slot, also.
Michael Thomas (free agent)
The 31-year-old has been a free agent since the offseason began, and while he isn't anywhere near what he once was, he's still one of the better options out there. Thomas had 448 yards in 10 games in 2023.
Terrace Marshall Jr. (waivers)
Terrace Marshall Jr. is another former top pick who has failed to make his mark in the NFL. The former LSU Tiger had just 19 catches for 139 yards in 2023 and will now look to find his next NFL home.
Marshall’s disappointing NFL career may be largely due to the WR being stuck on bad offenses. The Lions, meanwhile, have been one of the league’s most exciting units, so Marshall could thrive.
Again, there would be no pressure on Marshall to be a top option in Detroit, so the fit makes perfect sense.
Russell Gage (free agent)
From 2020-22, Russell Gage was the definition of a solid WR3. Gage caught 189 passes for 1,982 yards over that span before unfortunately losing the 2023 season to injury.
Surprisingly, the veteran was unable to make a thin Ravens’ WRs room, and will now look for work elsewhere. Gage would be the perfect WR3 for the Lions and provides a nice compliment to speedsters Raymond and Williams.
Gage won’t have to wait long to latch on elsewhere, so the Lions should move fast for the veteran. While there are plenty of talented WRs available, not many have the pedigree of success Gage has.
Isaiah Hodgins (free agent)
Isaiah Hodgins was a surprise cut of the New York Giants. The former sixth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills impressed in 2023, catching 21 passes for 230 yards on a bad Giants’ offense.
Still, Hodgins was unable to crack a thin Giants’ receiving core and will look to find work elsewhere. The Lions could give Hodgins a shot as the team doesn’t have a receiver like him on the roster already.
Hodgins is a big-bodied possession receiver who could be a red-zone threat in Detroit. Hodgins isn’t as proven as some of the options on this list, but he could have the highest upside in the right situation.
Kadarius Toney (waivers)
Kadarius Toney is one of the NFL’s most polarizing players. The former first-round pick has had flashes of brilliance, but also plenty of other moments where he doesn’t seem to belong anywhere near an NFL field.
The Kansas City Chiefs moved on from Toney after adding receiver depth this offseason. Toney caught 27 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown in 2023. The receiver will now look for his third team, and the Lions may be the perfect option with the great culture they have.
Toney would be a depth option in Detroit, so there’s no pressure. Additionally, Toney would give the team another blazer who can take the top off of the defense. It would be a low-risk, high-reward move for the Lions.
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