While the Detroit Lions weren’t overly active in free agency this March, the few moves they did make have already been significantly impacted by what unfolded during the NFL Draft. The selection of Tyleik Williams is expected to reshape the defensive front, but one of the more affected free agent signings plays on the offensive side.
Detroit’s minimal approach to acquiring wide receivers in free agency seemed to signal that they would address the position in the draft—and their picks (along with their post-draft activity) suggest the lone free-agent wideout addition could be let go without ever stepping on the field.
The Lions brought in Ronnie Bell back in January, inking the former 49ers and Michigan Wolverines receiver to a reserve/futures contract ahead of the offseason program.
Bell, 24, has already played in 26 NFL games since entering the league as a seventh-round pick. He appeared to be a solid depth option with potential for Detroit, at least before the team made its moves in the draft.
The most notable name added was Isaac TeSlaa, though he’s expected to contend for a higher spot on the depth chart than Bell. Then, in the seventh round, Detroit doubled down with Georgia product Dominic Lovett—clearly raising the stakes.
That message only became clearer after the draft ended, when the Lions brought in two more wideouts as undrafted free agents: Jackson Meeks and Jakobie Keeney-James.
Bell faces a tough path to stay on the roster, especially since his experience could make him hard to stash on the practice squad. With the receiver room deeper than before, the Lions may be fine cutting ties if their rookies shine.