Photo Credit Mitchell Leff/Getty Images.

NFL free agency is right around the corner, and the Lions have quite a few needs going in. We will be putting together a daily series featuring a few options at two positions that I believe have a realistic shot of happening. We already covered Quarterback and Running back here. Next up; Wide Receivers and Tight Ends.

After going 9-8 and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022, Detroit is in a unique spot with roster construction, having the overall talent to contend, but falling short. They have a top-20 pick, and could have more than enough money to fill the holes, given a few restructures. I don’t think the Lions will actually restructure all of these players, but for the sake of this simulation, I didn’t want to be too constrained by cap.

For this simulation, the Lions will restructure Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St Brown, Alim McNeill, and Penei Sewell, clearing up just over $91 million. We were able to do this with the ‘Be A GM’ mode on the new ‘Stick To The Model’ website https://sticktothemodel.com/?via=MFN. Use our code MFN2026 to save! This leaves the Lions sitting at about $82 million, before the rookie class.

This does not mean the Lions will spend $80 million, but that they have some wiggle room to make a few deals. As aforementioned, the Lions have holes, and free agency is the best way to get immediate impact players, which the Lions need.

What better way to do it other than picking one ‘realistic’ option the Lions could/should sign this free agency period. Lets take a look at the list.

Wide Receiver:

Obviously Detroit doesn’t need another starting wide Receiver, with St Brown, Williams, and TesLaa already in the building. However, the Lions are losing Raymond, and will need someone to replace both his receiving and returning production. I am a fan of Lovett, and would love to see him take over that spot. I could also see Raymond returning, but for the sake of this simulation, I’ll pick a free agent. Detroit is looking for a cheap, preferably young, receiver option who can also play special teams if needed, and also fills a need on the field as WR4.

The Pick: Calvin Austin.
A speedster, who’s just 26, with a lot of returner experience? Sign me up. Austin spent the past three seasons in Pittsburgh, where he never really caught on as a receiver. He has been a solid deep threat though, having his best season in 2024 when he had 36 catches for 548 yards and 4 TDS, he also showed his ability as a playmaker, with 151 of those yards coming after the catch. Again, we aren’t signing Austin to be our WR1, but he would be a perfect depth option, who’s relatively cheap, and can return kicks as well. Austin is slated to get $4.8 million per year, per Spotrac, which I think is more than respectable given his abilities. He would also be a great field stretcher opposite Jameson Williams. I really like the addition all things considered. There are other options here too, but I believe Austin checks the most boxes for Detroit out of all free agent receivers.
HM: Christian Kirk, Tyquan Thornton, Tutu Atwell, Tylan Wallace.

Tight End:

The Lions added a new offensive coordinator who loves multiple tight end formations, and they only have two under contract now. With that said, I would probably draft one late instead of forking over money, but for the sake of the sim we will pick one. Detroit needs a legitimate no. 2 tight end who can do it all. Block, run routes, and even pass block. I would expect them to go after a young, cheap option that could also play a large percentage of snaps if Laporta isn’t healthy.

The Pick: Daniel Bellinger.
Formerly of the New York Giants, I think Bellinger would offer a perfect second string to Laporta, as he is seen as more of a blocking tight end with some receiving ability. He may be a little underrated as a receiver as well, with a consistent catching ability, only dropping 4.2% of his targets. An above average pass and run blocker, and a solid receiver is exactly what the Lions are looking for. It helps he’s also only 25, and is coming off of probably his best year yet overall. He also should be relatively cheap, projected to get just over $2.5 million per year. Honestly, I can’t believe he is this cheap. For a guy that can do it all, was drafted relatively high, and has receiving upside, I would think teams would be more aggressive in his pursuit. But this time, it works out for the Lions. There are still a plethora of other options as well, but Bellinger just made the most sense to me by far.
HM: Tyler Conklin, Tyler Higbee, Foster Moreau, Noah Fant, Jonnu Smith.

Once again, this is installment two of many as we approach free agency. We will be posting new articles daily with new options at different positions. Next up; Offensive Linemen.

Stay tuned for our next installment of the series!

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