The Lions went into the offseason focused on correcting past errors—most notably, their failure to solidify the WR-X position during last year’s camp. With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond already under contract, the team made an early move to re-sign Tim Patrick, rounding out their core receiving group.
Beyond those top four, the competition for WR5 and WR6 is wide open. Veteran Tom Kennedy was the only player from that rotation to return. Isaiah Williams, an undrafted rookie, remained on the roster through Week 9 before being picked up by the Bengals. Maurice Alexander followed former OC Ben Johnson to Chicago. Allen Robinson, who had limited snaps, was not brought back and remains unsigned.
Altogether, Detroit brings 11 receivers into training camp. This group includes the core four returners from last year, three veterans looking for a role, and four rookies hoping to earn a spot.
Since Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell took over, the Lions have generally carried five or six receivers on the active roster and at least two more on the practice squad. Here’s how they’ve approached roster construction the last four years:
2021: The team began the season with seven wideouts but reduced to six early and kept that number the rest of the way.
2022: Started with five receivers; once Jameson Williams came off the NFI list, they expanded the group to six.
2023: Opened with five while Williams served a suspension, then added a sixth receiver once he returned.
2024: Entered the year with five; bumped to six from Weeks 2 to 10 after Isaiah Williams’ release, and closed the year with five again.
As 2025 camp approaches, Detroit appears locked in at the top of the receiver depth chart. However, there are still many unknowns about how the rest of the group will shape up.
Like any team with championship goals, the Lions will face difficult cuts after camp. While they’ve stuck to five wideouts in recent years due to injuries, their ideal approach seems to favor carrying six receivers when possible.
Additionally, Detroit is careful about managing assets. After investing heavily in young receivers this offseason, the front office likely intends to retain at least one rookie—if not all four.
Will all four rookies stay with Detroit in some capacity?
The Lions may keep one or two rookie receivers on the 53-man roster, but they’ll need a strategy to hold onto the others. That likely means hoping some clear waivers and agree to join the practice squad.
Looking back, Detroit has managed to retain both released draft picks and UDFAs with high guarantees—those earning over $100,000 with bonuses around $20,000 often stay on the practice squad. The Lions will need to convince these rookies that there’s a path to future playing time, especially with Raymond and Patrick entering contract years and both over age 30.
Here’s a breakdown of the receivers beyond the top four and what it’ll take for each to land a roster or practice squad spot.
Isaac TeSlaa (6-foot-4, 214):
Given the draft investment, TeSlaa seems like a strong bet for the 53-man roster. Detroit values performance, but TeSlaa will likely have every chance to justify his selection and claim a spot outright.
Dominic Lovett (5-foot-10, 185):
As a seventh-rounder, Lovett’s role is less secure. Still, his traits mirror Raymond’s, and Detroit may view him as a long-term replacement. His speed and ability to contribute on special teams—both as a returner and gunner—could give him the edge.
Tom Kennedy (5-foot-10, 195):
Kennedy is one of Detroit’s most dependable players, now entering his seventh season. While his lack of special teams utility has kept him on the practice squad, his reliability often earns him a call-up during injuries. Making the roster full-time will likely depend on carving out a special teams niche.
Ronnie Bell (6-foot-0, 195):
After two years in San Francisco, Bell was let go, and the Lions quickly picked up the Michigan alum. His hands and special teams value will be key. He played 111 special teams snaps as a rookie but just 13 last year. That number must rise for him to stick in Detroit.
Jakobie Keeney-
With over $250,000 guaranteed—the most among Detroit’s UDFAs—Keeney-James clearly caught the front office’s eye. To earn a spot, he’ll need to show his elite speed works at the NFL level and that he’s a special teams asset. At minimum, he’s a strong practice squad candidate.
Jackson Meeks
His size and gunner potential make Meeks an intriguing WR-X prospect. Though he received slightly less in guarantees than Keeney-James, Meeks could stick if he shows he’s the ideal future replacement for Patrick. Practice squad remains the more likely landing spot.
Despite being in the league since 2019—same as Raymond—Taylor hasn’t found a permanent home. The Flint native earned a contract through a rookie minicamp tryout. To make the roster, he must prove his veteran presence outweighs the upside of a younger prospect.
