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Lions | Detroit adds Evan Boehm Mon Aug 2, 01:10 PM
Free-agent C Evan Boehm (Jaguars) signed with the Detroit Lions Monday, Aug. 2. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Lions | Evan Heim activated Mon Aug 2, 01:06 PM
Detroit Lions OG Evan Heim was activated from the Reserve/COVID-19 list Monday, Aug. 2.
Link to story Lions | T.J. Hockenson standing out Sat Jul 31, 08:22 PM
Detroit Lions TE T.J. Hockenson has been the 'best offensive skill player' during the first four days of training camp, according to MLive.com's Kyle Meinke.
| Footballguys view: Hockenson has a good chance to lead the Lions in receptions as Jared Goff made Tyler Higbee the #1 fantasy tight end in December 2019. This positive news about Hockenson doesn't dispel that notion and makes taking him at ADP a good plan to keep up with teams that take one of the top three tight ends or Kyle Pitts. |
T.J. Hockenson player page
Lions | Detroit to use hot-hand approach at RB Sat Jul 31, 03:53 PM
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell addressed the backfield of RBs D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, saying he will ride the hot hand. 'We're going to use both of those guys, they know that. A guy gets a hot hand, he's rolling. If Jamaal is in there, we're rolling. Jamaal is going to be rolling, and we'll use Swift for other things. Which is fine. That's a good problem to have. I'm glad we got him, I know that,' Campbell said. He added, 'The place I just came from, obviously with AK (Alvin Kamara), and to have Mark Ingram when I first got there -- Mark was a stud, still is a stud, by the way -- that's my vision of this one-two punch (in Detroit). To have what we had after we left with (Latavius) Murray as well. Murray was that guy for us, and that's how I see Jamaal Williams for us, for Detroit.'
| Footballguys view: Swift is much more likely to be the hot hand, so this shouldn't ding his ADP too much, but it is confirmation once again that the Lions don't see Swift as a clear lead back and Williams as a clear backup. |
Jamaal Williams player page
D'Andre Swift player page
Lions | Javon McKinley to return to field Wed Jul 28, 08:28 PM
Detroit Lions WR Javon McKinley (undisclosed) passed his physical Wednesday, July 28, and has been activated from the Active/Non-Football Injury list.
Link to story Lions | Two players to miss start of practice Wed Jul 28, 05:36 PM
Detroit Lions C Evan Brown (undisclosed) was placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list Wednesday, July 28. The team also placed LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Link to storyJalen Reeves-Maybin player page
Lions | Brian Price on retired list Tue Jul 27, 06:34 PM
Detroit Lions DT Brian Price was placed on the Reserve/Retired list Tuesday, July 27.
Link to storyBrian Price player page
Lions | Detroit claims Bruce Hector Tue Jul 27, 05:03 PM
Former Tennessee Titans DT Bruce Hector was claimed off waivers by the Detroit Lions Tuesday, July 27.
Link to storyBruce Hector player page
Lions | Three players not ready for practice Sun Jul 25, 12:47 PM
Detroit Lions DE Austin Bryant (undisclosed) was placed on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list Sunday, July 25. The team also placed WR Javon McKinley (undisclosed) on the Active/Non-Football Injury list and OG Evan Heim on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
Link to story Lions | Ifeatu Melifonwu signs contract Fri Jul 23, 06:27 PM
Detroit Lions third-round draft choice CB Ifeatu Melifonwu signed a four-year contract with the Lions Friday, July 23. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Melifonwu has a chance to win a starting job with the Lions installing a new defense under first-time defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. He projects as a press-man corner with top end traits, but instincts that are still a work in progress. He could be moved to safety if he fails at corner. |
Lions | Heavy workload for D'Andre Swift? Thu Jul 22, 10:28 PM
Detroit Lions RB D'Andre Swift could be headed for a big workload in 2021, according to running backs coach Duce Staley. Staley said the team wants its 'three-down back' to have about 25 touches per game.
| Footballguys view: Jamaal Williams will probably keep Swift getting 425 touches, which is what he would get at 25 touches in 17 games, but this is an item that points to Swift having a decisive lead in at least Staley's mind, where other items this offseason have indicated more of a committee approach, at least in offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn's mind. We'll be watching this closely in camp, as current ADP still reflects an assumption that Swift will greatly out-touch and outperform Williams. |
D'Andre Swift player page
Lions | Danny Amendola looking to sign Wed Jul 21, 09:50 PM
Free-agent WR Danny Amendola (Lions) has been working out with Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy and still wants to play if he can find the right situation, according to a source.
| Footballguys view: The Cardinals don't need Amendola, but a team like the Titans could use him. He should be high on the emergency list for teams that need a slot receiver and will likely get calls during the season if he's not signed before Week 1. |
Danny Amendola player page
Lions | Jeff Okudah had preventative surgery on core Wed Jul 21, 02:11 PM
Updating a previous report, Detroit Lions CB Jeff Okudah not only had surgery on one core injury muscle this offseason, but he also had surgery on the non-injured side as well.
| Footballguys view: Okudah has been a disappointment since the Lions took him #3 overall last year. They hope he can be foundational player and match up with the likes of Allen Robinson, Justin Jefferson, and Davante Adams twice a year. |
Lions | Darren Fells knows his role Fri Jul 9, 10:45 PM
Detroit Lions TE Darren Fells said he expects to serve primarily as a blocker to complement TE T.J. Hockenson. 'Had the conversation with him already, that if we're both in there, I'll be like an extra lineman for him, to give him time to get open, so he can bump that touchdown total up to 12,' Fells said.
| Footballguys view: Fells is a seasoned veteran who is a big-bodied blocker. He's also a fine red zone threat because of his size. Fells had 11 touchdown catches over the last two seasons with the Texans. He might snare a couple this season, but his role will be exactly what he described it to be - a complementary player to Hockenson. |
Darren Fells player page
Lions | Jamaal Williams the No. 2 back? Thu Jul 1, 11:17 PM
Detroit Lions RB Jamaal Williams is 'expected to be the No. 2 running back' and complement RB D'Andre Swift in 2021, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: Williams is an "A back" according to Lions running back coach Anthony Lynn. He's the type of back who can do everything and do it well. Nothing about his game jumps off the page, but Williams is a consistent performer with intelligence, instincts and determination. He won't have much fantasy value unless Swift misses time but has significant fantasy upside in that scenario. If you've got the roster space, handcuff Williams to Swift as an injury upside pick. |
Jamaal Williams player page
Lions | Randy Bullock facing competition Wed Jun 23, 10:02 PM
Detroit Lions PK Randy Bullock and PK Matthew Wright will likely be competing for the starting kicking job into the preseason, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
Link to storyRandy Bullock player page
Lions | Jahlani Tavai slims down Wed Jun 23, 12:49 AM
Detroit Lions LB Jahlani Tavai dropped nearly 20 pounds in the offseason to lower his body weight to around 250 pounds, which has the team's front office excited about his ability to move better on the field, according to ESPN.com's Eric Woodyard.
Link to storyJahlani Tavai player page
Lions | Todd Gurley would be No. 3 RB Sun Jun 20, 05:25 PM
Free-agent RB Todd Gurley (Falcons) would be the No. 3 running back if he signs with the Detroit Lions behind RBs D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams, according to the Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett
| Footballguys view: In other news, water is wet. Gurley is no longer the same player he used to be, so working as a third-string back is what he'd be on most any team that signs him. The Lions worked him out but did not sign him. The Ravens have also taken a look at the veteran back. We should see him signed in training camp to a new team, perhaps the Lions who have Swift as their top runner and Williams as an "A" back as well. |
Todd Gurley player page
Lions | Chad Hansen catches on with Detroit Fri Jun 18, 01:22 PM
Free agent WR Chad Hansen (Texans) on Friday, June 18, signed an undisclosed contract with the Detroit Lions. In a corresponding move, WR Jonathan Adams was waived.
| Footballguys view: Hansen played with Jared Goff in college when they were both at California and the Lions have no veterans on the depth chart at outside receiver behind the starters. He'll have a chance to make the team, if not have a role in the offense. Adams got 90,000 guaranteed from the Lions despite going undrafted, so it is surprising to see him released before camp. |
Chad Hansen player page
Lions | Amon-Ra St. Brown under contract Thu Jun 17, 05:10 PM
Detroit Lions fourth-round draft choice WR Amon-Ra St. Brown signed a four-year contract with the Lions Thursday, June 17. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: St. Brown could be the team's starting slot receiver and vie to lead the wide receiver group in catches and targets. He still has marginal redraft appeal and a low ceiling, but he could be an instantly productive player. |
Lions | Derrick Barnes signs rookie deal Thu Jun 17, 04:37 PM
Detroit Lions fourth-round draft choice LB Derrick Barnes signed a four-year contract with the Lions Thursday, June 17. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Barnes has edge rush chops but the team is grooming him to be a middle linebacker on early downs, which is a very productive combination for IDP leagues. Keep tabs on his development. |
Lions | Levi Onwuzurike signs rookie deal Thu Jun 17, 12:51 PM
Detroit Lions CB Levi Onwuzurike on Thursday, June 17, signed his rookie contract with the team. Terms of the deal weren't immediately available.
Link to story Lions | Tyrell Williams the go-to guy? Thu Jun 10, 09:56 PM
Detroit Lions WR Tyrell Williams 'appears to be' the No. 1 receiver for QB Jared Goff during practices, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
| Footballguys view: Williams isn't going to run the whole route tree, but he can make a difference downfield and after the catch on crossing routes. He could have some spot start viability if he's completely over his foot problems. |
Tyrell Williams player page
Lions | Breshad Perriman struggling Thu Jun 10, 09:51 PM
Detroit Lions WR Breshad Perriman has been 'less consistent' during practices, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
| Footballguys view: Perriman is a boom/bust player from week to week and play to play, so this matches his modus operandi. He's only going to be a weekly desperation play and only for as long as he stays healthy. |
Breshad Perriman player page
Lions | Amon-Ra St. Brown poised to start? Thu Jun 10, 09:49 PM
Detroit Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown has 'looked the part' of the No. 3 receiver during OTAs, according to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.
| Footballguys view: St. Brown should be among the team leaders in receptions at wide receiver, but he won't be posting a high yards per catch as a possession receiver from the slot, so his fantasy appeal is limited despite the early opportunity in three wide sets. |
Lions | Quintez Cephus on the rise? Thu Jun 10, 09:46 PM
Detroit Lions WR Quintez Cephus has 'really come on' during recent practices, according to head coach Dan Campbell. 'We feel like he's growing right in front of us and that's what you want these guys to do during this time,' Campbell said.
| Footballguys view: Cephus should be the favorite to be the top backup outside, but he has no ties to the new regime. That makes it especially valuable to know that the new head coach is a fan. His dynasty stock should stabilize on this news. |
Lions | Bigger role for Victor Bolden? Thu Jun 10, 09:39 PM
Detroit Lions WR Victor Bolden has had more 'put on his plate' throughout OTAs, according to head coach Dan Campbell.
| Footballguys view: The Lions don't have any established wide receivers after Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman, so the depth chart has some vacancies that could lead to long-term opportunities, making everyone on the roster including Bolden worth monitoring in deep dynasty leagues. |
Lions | Detroit signs Reggie Gilbert Mon Jun 7, 04:12 PM
Free-agent LB Reggie Gilbert (Jaguars) signed with the Detroit Lions Monday, June 7. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to storyReggie Gilbert player page
Lions | T.J. Hockenson the go-to guy? Sun Jun 6, 09:09 PM
Detroit Lions TE T.J. Hockenson is entering his third season, and 'all signs' suggest that he will become the No. 1 target for QB Jared Goff, according to Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: Hockenson's rookie season was below average, but in 2020 he showed the tip of the iceberg in terms of what he could be in the NFL. Hockenson recorded 67 catches, 723 yards, and six touchdowns in 2020 and now will look to be an even larger part in the passing game. The Lions have a new quarterback in Jared Goff who should use Hockenson as a security blanket receiver. They have a new collection of wide receivers, none as talented as players they let move on like Kenny Golladay (Giants) or Marvin Jones (Jaguars). Hockenson was the no.5 fantasy tight end in 2020 and has a current ADP of TE5 (5.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
T.J. Hockenson player page
Lions | D'Andre Swift making plays Sat Jun 5, 12:22 AM
Detroit Lions RB D'Andre Swift is 'going to be a real handful for defenders in space in the passing game,' according to Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com.
| Footballguys view: The opinions about Swift vary in the fantasy community. With the addition of "A-back" Jamaal Williams in free agency and the recent workout of veteran Todd Gurley, Fantasy GMs are wondering if Swift will get the role in 2021 as a centerpiece of the team's offense. If healthy, Swift has three-down ability and a nose for the end zone. Consider him a RB2 with RB1 upside for the 2021 season. His current ADP is RB14 (2.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
D'Andre Swift player page
Lions | Victor Bolden working in the slot Sat Jun 5, 12:05 AM
Detroit Lions WR Victor Bolden is likely competing to make the roster a slot receiver, according to Mike O'Hara of DetroitLions.com.
| Footballguys view: Undrafted out of Oregon State in 2017, Bolden has been with the Lions since 2019. He signed a reserve/futures contract with the Lions back in January and now is trying to earn a spot on the 53-man roster as a slot receiver. Bolden has great vision and can make defenders miss in space, so he can work as a return man if needed. |
Lions | Michael Warren signs with Detroit Fri Jun 4, 12:57 PM
Free agent RB Michael Warren (Washington) signed Friday, June 4, with the Detroit Lions. In a corresponding move, RB Rakeem Boyd was placed on waivers with an injury settlement.
| Footballguys view: Warren is a Mike Tolbert type who can fill multiple roles but not excel at any of them. He has an outside shot to make the team since they may have a run-focused offense. |
Lions | Offense built for Jared Goff Thu Jun 3, 09:37 PM
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff will be running an offense catered to his strengths, according to offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, and Lynn said the offense will be much different than the one Goff ran with the Los Angeles Rams.
| Footballguys view: Lynn's comments could be seen as slightly provocative as it appeared that Sean McVay scaled back the Rams pass offense to at least avoid Goff's weaknesses, if not play to his strengths. Either way, T.J. Hockenson and fourth-round pick Amon-Ra St. Brown should align well with Goff's hot zones. |
Jared Goff player page
Lions | Nick Bawden cut Thu Jun 3, 07:21 PM
Detroit Lions FB Nick Bawden was waived Thursday, June 3.
| Footballguys view: This effectively ended any competition at fullback. Converted linebacker Jason Cabinda will be the Lions starter at a position that fits Dan Campbell's kneecap biting ethos. |
Nick Bawden player page
Lions | Jashon Cornell receives suspension Thu Jun 3, 04:10 PM
Detroit Lions DT Jashon Cornell has been suspended for the first three games of the 2021 season for violating the NFL's policy on substance abuse.
| Footballguys view: Cornell was the Lions seventh round pick last year out of Ohio State, but missed his rookie season due to an achilles tear. Now he has another obstacle to winning a roster spot with a new regime in place. |
Lions | No timetable on adding Todd Gurley Thu Jun 3, 12:06 PM
Free agent RB Todd Gurley (Falcons) remains of interest to the Detroit Lions after visiting with the team May 27, but head coach Dan Campbell said Thursday, June 3, that there's no deadline to sign him. 'But I would say this: Just because we have interest in him, that does not affect our feeling and our thoughts on both (RBs D'Andre) Swift and Jamaal (Williams),' Campbell said.
| Footballguys view: The Lions are just updating their emergency list with this interest in Gurley. He's not the same back he used to be but could give some team veteran depth. The Lions have Swift as their top back and Williams is capable of playing on three downs and getting a large role if called upon. There's not many touches there for Gurley if everybody's healthy in the Lions backfield. |
Todd Gurley player page
Lions | John Atkins waived Wed Jun 2, 06:26 PM
Detroit Lions DT John Atkins was waived Wednesday, June 2.
Link to story Lions | Brian Price headed to Detroit Tue Jun 1, 04:27 PM
Free-agent DT Brian Price (Packers) signed an undisclosed contract with the Detroit Lions on Tuesday, June 1.
Link to storyBrian Price player page
Lions | D'Andre Swift open to Todd Gurley addition Mon May 31, 01:52 PM
Detroit Lions RB D'Andre Swift said he would be fine with the Lions signing free-agent RB Todd Gurley (Falcons) because Gurley would bring experience and knowledge to the team.
| Footballguys view: Swift's fantasy value is already complicated because of the addition of "A-back" Jamaal Williams in free agency. He should get a lot of volume in a run-heavy Lions offense, and projecting him for around 1,000 yards rushing makes sense. Adding Gurley to the room would further complicate things and potentially take some work away from him. Swift has a current ADP of RB13 (2.10) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Todd Gurley player page
D'Andre Swift player page
Lions | Five players competing for DET return job Sun May 30, 11:36 AM
Detroit Lions WRs Kalif Raymond, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Tom Kennedy, Victor Bolden and DB D'Angelo Amos are competing for the club's primary return specialist job, according to special teams coordinator Dave Fipp.
| Footballguys view: The Lions receiving corps isn't where you go for fantasy value. However, the player who wins this job will get a boost in value for leagues where you get points for return yards and touchdowns. |
Kalif Raymond player page
Lions | Joel Heath placed on IR Thu May 27, 05:56 PM
Detroit Lions DE Joel Heath (knee) was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Thursday, May 27.
Link to storyJoel Heath player page
Lions | Todd Gurley visiting Detroit Thu May 27, 01:04 PM
Free agent RB Todd Gurley is in Detroit on Thursday, May 27, to visit with the Lions, per a source.
| Footballguys view: Gurley is not the same player he used to be, but he can work well as a veteran backup for some team out there. The Lions have D'Andre Swift as their starter, but they went out in free agency and added Jamaal Williams and in the draft they added Jermar Jefferson. Gurley would cramp the room if added, so the Lions might just be updating their emergency list with this workout. |
Todd Gurley player page
Lions | Jared Goff earns OTA praise Thu May 27, 12:38 PM
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff was quick to earn praise from head coach Dan Campbell at OTAs. We're only one week into it -- I can tell you this, he throws a pretty ball, that's for sure,' Campbell said Thursday, May 27. 'But I like his mannerisms. I like his command in the huddle. And I would say, man, he's progressing kind of right where you want him to progress at this point. Again, we're not in team (drills), we're doing these walk-throughs. But the first live seven-on-seven yesterday, just watching him throw and some of the things that come out of it -- it's baby steps right now. It's good to have him here.'
| Footballguys view: Goff should look good in practice as he's got plenty of starting experience. He'll need to carry that momentum over to the regular season when he's under duress. Fantasy GMs and football fans aren't really expecting much from Goff in 2021. He's getting drafted at QB32 (14.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Jared Goff player page
Lions | Joel Heath out for season Wed May 26, 05:35 PM
Detroit Lions DT Joel Heath (knee) suffered a torn ACL and will be sidelined for the 2021 NFL season, according to a source Wednesday, May 26.
Link to storyJoel Heath player page
Lions | Detroit signs Darrin Paulo Mon May 24, 01:10 PM
Free-agent OT Darrin Paulo (Broncos) signed with the Detroit Lions Monday, May 24. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Lions | Jamaal Williams the lead back? Thu May 20, 12:25 PM
Detroit Lions RB Jamaal Williams is on track to be the team's lead running back, offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn recently told The Athletic. 'Jamaal is what I'd call a classic 'A' back,' Lynn said. 'I like to break the backs down into A and B. My 'A' backs are normally my bigger backs. They can run between the tackles, block probably a little better than a 'B' back, they can also run the perimeter. I can leave those guys in there for all three downs. My 'B' back comes in, he's a guy that sometimes I want to use in space more. He's my speed-in-space guy. I feel like Jamaal would be an outstanding 'A' back. I like his energy, I like his pad level and the way he runs the football between the tackles.'
| Footballguys view: We don't completely agree with PFT's reading here, but the idea that Williams is going to be much closer to a 50/50 committee back than a backup to D'Andre Swift is one that needs to be heeded in fantasy draft prep. Swift is more talented, but Williams is reliable and the new regime specifically sought him out. The Lions are going to run the ball as much as they can, but the defense may limit that as it is under consruction after it was left in a woeful state by Matt Patricia and Bob Quinn. |
Jamaal Williams player page
Lions | Penei Sewell signs rookie deal Wed May 19, 11:28 AM
Detroit Lions first-round pick OT Penei Sewell signed his four-year, $24.1 million fully guaranteed rookie contract. The deal includes a $14.88 million signing bonus and has an option for a fifth year.
Link to story Lions | Rookie WR St. Brown Being Moved Around the Formation Mon May 17, 02:54 PM
Detroit Lions rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has been moving all around the formation during rookie minicamp. He was lining up at the slot position and out wide as the Lions find different ways St. Brown can attack a defense.
| Footballguys view: Unlike many rookie wide receivers, St. Brown is adept at running the full route tree and in 2020 he was moved outside (293 snaps) more than he was in the slot (116 snaps). However, in previous seasons with the USC Trojans St. Brown was mainly used as a slot receiver. He has a knack for making the first man miss and St. Brown should become a favorite target of QB Jared Goff quickly in training camp and the preseason. |
Lions | Detroit signs two players Mon May 17, 01:04 PM
Free-agent TE Charlie Taumoepeau (49ers) and CB Alex X. Brown (Chiefs) signed with the Detroit Lions Monday, May 17. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Taumoepeau was undrafted out of Portland State in 2020 but signed on with the Cowboys after the draft. During his college career, Taumoepeau finished with 117 receptions for 1,876 yards and 11 touchdowns. He bounced around to the Colts and the 49ers and now gets a shot with the Lions. They needed more bodies at the position with the retirement of Josh Hill, and Taumoepeau impressed enough during his tryout to earn a longer look. |
Lions | Detroit adds Alijah Holder Sun May 16, 02:24 PM
Free-agent CB Alijah Holder (Broncos) signed with the Detroit Lions Sunday, May 16. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story