The Detroit Lions have signed former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ronnie Bell to a reserve/futures contract. Bell, who was drafted by the 49ers in the 2023 NFL Draft as a seventh-round pick, spent most of the 2023 season on the team’s practice squad. Despite not signing a futures contract with San Francisco immediately after the season, he has now secured a spot with the Lions.
Bell, a former Michigan player, impressed the 49ers during the preseason, earning a spot on the roster. He played in all 17 games of his rookie year, contributing mostly on special teams. On offense, he made six receptions for 68 yards and three touchdowns on 13 targets. He also had a solid average of 7.0 yards per punt return. However, Bell struggled with drops and a fumble during his time in San Francisco, which hindered his development.
In the 2024 season, Bell found himself further down the depth chart and moved between the active roster and the practice squad. He appeared in nine games, catching two passes for 22 yards on six targets. If Bell hopes to make an impact in Detroit, he will need to work on his consistency, particularly with his catching ability, in order to carve out a more prominent role.
