The Houston Texans now have plenty of wide receiver depth after trading for Stefon Diggs, something the Detroit Lions might use. According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the clubs might support one another.
The Lions are reportedly interested in trading for veteran wide receiver Robert Woods, which would provide the Texans with a draft pick and some salary cap relief. Additionally, it would enable the Lions to make up for some of the output that was lost when Josh Reynolds, a receiver, left in free agency.
Barnwell pointed out that the Texans have a very deep wide receiver group now that Diggs is joining Tank Dell, Nico Collins, and the gifted John Metchie, who missed his rookie season due to a leukemia diagnosis and had a rough start.
He pointed out that Woods’ contract is a little heavy on the salary cap and that the significant additions to the wide receiver position could make him expendable.
Woods, who earns a basic salary of $6.3 million this season and doesn’t play much on special teams, is probably going to be the odd man out, according to Barnwell.
“Only $1.3 million of that total is guaranteed, but if Woods doesn’t retire or accept a pay cut for the remaining amount, the Texans will probably release him.”
Barnwell surmised that the Lions might provide an alternative, possibly dealing for Woods and relieving the Texans of their salary cap burden in exchange for a mid-round draft pick.
The Buffalo Bills were the team that signed 11-year veteran Woods in 2013, and he finished the previous season with 40 receptions for 426 yards and one score.
With Reynolds leaving in free agency, the Lions have an opening at the No. 3 receiving spot, as ESPN’s Eric Woodyard reported.
Using the rapport he developed with quarterback Jared Goff while playing for the Los Angeles Rams, he was a dependable third option last season, hauling in 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns.
Despite the return of All-Pro tight end Sam LaPorta, Pro Bowl tight end Amon-Ra St.
Brown, and other Lions players, Woodyard stated that there is a chance for someone to have a significant role.
Along with Antoine Green and Donovan Peoples-Jones, third-year receiver Jameson Williams will undoubtedly be considered. Isaiah Williams, a former Illinois receiver, was also signed as a rookie undrafted free agency and might be a steal.
This offseason, the Lions made a significant investment to upgrade its wide receiver group.
The Lions and St. Brown reached a four-year deal agreement worth over $120 million, including $77 million in guaranteed money, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
St. Brown expressed gratitude to the group for looking after its own after signing the agreement. “You’ll be rewarded if you perform well and are a great teammate,” St. Brown said to the media.
The Lions have demonstrated that. It is untrue to claim that the Lions underpay their players. They have made it rather evident that they will give you praise for your efforts.
