The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL’s most pleasant surprises over the first half of the 2023 campaign, as they have own the league’s second-best record at 6-2.
With the Lions on the come-up, they could end up being a big player in free agency this coming offseason, especially given the fact that they are projected to have substantial cap room at their disposal.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox thinks Detroit could make a big splash in the spring, naming the club as a top potential suitor for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans.
The Buccaneers were unable to reach a long-term agreement with Evans prior to the season, meaning the veteran will be a free agent at year’s end.
Evans may be 30 years old, but he remains one of the NFL’s most productive wide outs, as evidenced by the fact that he has logged 33 catches for 507 yards and five touchdowns through his first seven games this season.
The Texas A&M product, who was selected by Tampa Bay with the seventh overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, has already set an NFL record by posting 1,000-yard campaigns in each of his first nine seasons, making four Pro Bowl appearances in the process. His best year came in 2018, when he hauled in 86 receptions for 1,524 yards and eight scores.
Evans will undoubtedly be one of the most sought after (and most expensive) players on the open market come March, but for a Lions team that is certainly in need of another receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, he would be worth it.
Detroit’s passing offense ranks fifth in the league this season thanks to some strong play from quarterback Jared Goff, so it’s not like the Lions are exactly bereft in that area. However, adding Evans into the mix may take their aerial attack to another level.
Detroit has a Week 9 bye and will return to take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 12.