It’s never too early to speculate on the upcoming NFL season. Brad Gagnon from Bleacher Report considers the Detroit Lions as serious Super Bowl contenders. In his latest NFL trade deadline predictions, Gagnon suggests that the Lions might acquire a top AFC North receiver to boost their Super Bowl aspirations.
Gagnon identified Amari Cooper and Tee Higgins as likely trade targets for the Lions.
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“The Lions are gearing up. A team that has never been to the Super Bowl can smell it, and another strong offseason of shoring up and bolstering weak spots indicates they’re all-in,” Gagnon wrote. “Potential targets include Amari Cooper if the Browns aren’t competitive and Tee Higgins if the Bengals fall off again. Both walk-year veteran receivers could be game-changers in Detroit.”
The Lions’ roster still has a potential weakness at the No. 2 wide receiver spot. Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the NFL’s top wideouts, but the team lost veteran receiver Josh Reynolds in free agency and did not make significant additions at the position during the offseason.
### Why the Detroit Lions Might Acquire Another WR
Reynolds, the Lions’ second-leading receiver in 2023, recorded 40 catches, 608 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns last season. His departure left a gap in the roster.
The Lions have strong pass catchers at running back and tight end, with 2023 rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta. However, to maintain their elite passing offense, the Lions should consider adding another receiver before the NFL trade deadline.
Amari Cooper, a five-time Pro Bowler, had 72 catches, 1,250 receiving yards, and 5 touchdowns in 2023 despite inconsistent quarterback play for the Cleveland Browns. Tee Higgins, despite a dip in statistics due to Joe Burrow’s injury, posted a career-best 15.6 yards per catch average last season.
Cooper and Higgins will be free agents next March, making them potential rental players if the Browns or Bengals fall out of contention by October’s end.
### Lions Counting on Jameson Williams and Donovan Peoples-Jones
While acquiring an elite WR2 makes sense, the Lions’ faith in their depth might change that. Former first-round pick Jameson Williams is entering his third season with high expectations from the Lions.
Head coach Dan Campbell praised Williams on May 23: “We’re two practices in and if you said, ‘Give me one player that is the most improved from start to finish in that time,’ Jamo would be that guy right now. He is a man on a mission, and I’m just going to leave it at that.”
Williams ended the 2023 season with 24 catches, 354 yards, and 2 touchdowns, averaging 14.8 yards per catch. Veteran Donovan Peoples-Jones, acquired last season, has also shown promise.
If Williams or Peoples-Jones step up as an elite WR2, the Lions might not need to trade for another wide receiver.
