Lions Connected to ‘Vertical Field-Stretcher’ as Good Value Addition

Heading into the offseason, it’s obvious that the biggest needs for the Detroit Lions are on defense. But depending on how free agency goes, the Lions could also look to add at wide receiver.

Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger argued that Detroit should consider signing 26-year-old wideout Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.

“Westbrook-Ikhine is the vertical field-stretcher with good run-blocking chops that could be a nice complementary piece in Detroit’s offense,” Spielberger wrote. “With big paydays looming for Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown and many others, they need to start filling out the roster with good value additions that fill a specific role well.”

The four-year veteran receiver ended 2023 on injured reserve. But in 14 contests, he had 28 receptions and 370 receiving yards. He also scored 3 touchdowns in his fourth season with the Tennessee Titans.

Detroit Lions Face Free Agency Questions at WR

The Lions possess more than $61.1 million in cap space, which is seventh-most in the NFL according to Spotrac.

However, as Spielberger noted, the Lions have several of their own players to extend before the end of 2024, including Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell and Alim McNeill. Looking further down the road, the Lions will have to open the wallet for Aidan Hutchinson too.

So even with the large amount of cap space, Detroit general manager Brad Holmes could go bargain hunting for a No. 3 wide receiver behind St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

The Lions could be in the market for a third receiver because veterans Josh Reynolds and Donovan Peoples-Jones are both free agents.

Reynolds had 2 key drops in the NFC championship game loss. But overall, he had a solid 2023 season with 40 catches, 608 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. Reynolds was second among all Lions wide receivers in all three categories.

How Nick Westbrook-Ikhine Could Fit With the Lions

With the Lions firmly in win-now mode, it wouldn’t be surprising if the team attempted to bring back Reynolds. But if the Lions expect a big jump from Williams in his third season, then a cheaper, more complementary piece would likely be more appropriate.

That’s how Westbrook-Ikhine could fit in Detroit. Spotrac projected his market value to be $2.5 million on a 1-year contract.

Spotrac predicted Reynolds to be paid $14.1 million on a 2-year deal.

Westbrook-Ikhine began his NFL career as an undrafted free agent in 2020. He made the Titans as a rookie, appearing in 14 games during 2020.

The following season, he started 7 contests and posted career-highs of 38 catches for 476 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Since the start of the 2021 season, Westbrook-Ikhine has recorded 91 receptions, 1,243 yards and 10 touchdowns in 47 games.

He missed the final three games this season because of a hand injury.

Interestingly, Spielberger named Detroit the only potential landing spot for Westbrook-Ikhine. If he’s not in high demand, that will obviously lower the receiver’s value in free agency.

Spielberger ranked the 26-year-old as the No. 134 unrestricted free agent set to be available starting in March. Spielberger also ranked Reynolds the No. 116 unrestricted free agent.

The PFF analyst listed the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders as potential landing spots for Reynolds.