Dec 12, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (14) runs for yards after the catch against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
It’s not a huge surprise the Detroit Lions are significantly in the mix for free agent wide receivers, but a report on Sunday has attached them to some specific names.
The Detroit Lions are sure to be a prominent player in the free agent market at wide receiver, even as some notable options have become spoken for. Not many (if any) available options should be considered out of the question, but insider Jordan Schultz has tied the Lions to some specific names among the free agent class of wide receivers.
I’m told Detroit has interest in Christian Kirk, Braxton Berrios and Russell Gage — whom the Falcons are hoping to bring back. D.J. Chark is someone the Lions like as well,” Schultz tweeted.
Kirk has been tied to the Lions as a potential free agent fit, and Gage would be a solid target too if Atlanta isn’t able to bring him back. Berrios would be a new one as a possible target, and if he’s truly seeking $9 million a year in a free agent deal he might be a little too expensive for the Lions.
Kirk is expected to have a nice market for his services, and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero hinted that it “wouldn’t be a shock” to see him get $15 million or more per year.
Coming off an injury-shortened season, Chark may come at a bit of a bargain. But he looks like an ideal fit for what the Lions have been open about looking for–big, fast and with some red zone chops.
Detroit Lions set to add a notable wide receiver to the mix in free agency
One prominent name who’s absent from Schultz’s report is Allen Robinson, the Detroit native and soon-to-be former Chicago Bear who is sure to have multiple teams courting him as the free agent legal tampering period starts Monday. In any case, when deals can become official on Wednesday, it’s fair to expect the Lions to add at least one wide receiver with a recognizable name to go with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds, etc.