The Detroit Lions unveiled their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. There were a few surprises, including the team’s decision to keep just four receivers.
In all likelihood, the Lions simply weren’t impressed with their internal options and were waiting to see who would be available on waivers and in free agency.
It’s almost certain that the Lions will have more than four receivers on their active roster when the season begins. And, according to reports, they’ve already added one to the practice squad in veteran Tim Patrick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
But the Lions certainly shouldn’t stop there. Let’s identify six receivers currently available after cut day, either on waivers or in free agency.
Wide receivers the Lions should target
Noah Brown (free agent)
Brown might be the 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 in 10 games.
The Lions would need him as an X, but he also has experience in the slot.
Michael Thomas (free agent)
The 31-year-old has been a free agent since the start of the offseason, and while he’s not what he once was, he’s still one of the best options available. Thomas has 448 yards in 10 games in 2023.
Terrace Marshall Jr. (waivers)
Terrace Marshall Jr. is another former first-round pick who failed to establish himself in the NFL. The former LSU Tiger has just 19 receptions 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 most exciting units in the league, so Marshall could flourish.
Again, Marshall wouldn’t have any pressure to be a top option in Detroit, so the fit makes perfect sense.
Russell Gage (free agent)
From 2020 to 2022, Russell Gage was the very definition of a solid WR3. Gage caught 189 passes for 1,982 yards during that span before unfortunately losing the 2023 season to injury.
Surprisingly, the veteran failed to crack the Ravens’ WR roster and will now look for work elsewhere. Gage would be the perfect WR3 for the Lions and is a nice complement to the speedy Raymond and Williams.
Gage won’t have to wait long to find another player, so the Lions should hurry up for the veteran. While there are plenty of talented receivers available, few have Gage’s pedigree of success.
Isaiah Hodgins (free agent)
Isaiah Hodgins has been the surprise package for the New York Giants. The former sixth-round pick of the Buffalo Bills has impressed in 2023, catching 21 passes for 230 yards in a mediocre Giants offense.
Still, Hodgins has failed to crack the Giants’ receiving core and will look to find work elsewhere. The Lions could give Hodgins a chance because the team doesn’t have a receiver like him on its roster yet.
Hodgins is a big possession receiver who could be a threat in the red zone in Detroit. Hodgins isn’t as proven as some of the options on this list, but he could have the most potential in the right situation.
Kadarius Toney (waivers)
Kadarius Toney is one of the most polarizing players in the NFL. The former first-round pick has had moments of brilliance, but also many other moments where he just doesn’t seem to belong on an NFL field.
THE The Kansas City Chiefs Toney left the team after adding depth at receiver this offseason. Toney caught 27 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown in 2023. The receiver will now be looking for his third team, and the Lions could be the perfect fit with the great culture they have.
Toney would be a depth option in Detroit, so there is no pressure. Plus, Toney would give the team another Blazer who can take over the defense. This would be a low-risk, high-reward trade for the Lions.
