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With mandatory minicamp underway, the Detroit Lions are still searching for their fifth wide receiver heading into training camp.
As things currently stand, there are four receivers who appear to have roster spots all but locked up: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch. The battle for the final receiver spot, however, remains wide open.
That competition became even more interesting after rookie Kendrick Law suffered a torn ACL and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Detroit initially responded by signing wide receiver Kyre Duplessis, but he was released shortly after. Even with Tom Kennedy, Dominic Lovett, Cedrick Wilson, Malik Cunningham and Jackson Meeks already on the roster, the Lions clearly felt they needed additional competition.
Detroit has since signed three more wide receivers: Tay Martin, Tarik Black and Lucky Jackson.
Both Black and Jackson are coming off impressive seasons in the UFL, where they played key roles in the Louisville franchise’s championship run. Black finished the season with 387 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Jackson recorded 392 yards and two scores.
Black may be a familiar name to Michigan football fans. He spent three seasons with the Michigan Wolverines before transferring to Texas to finish his college career. While he never developed into a star at either program, he was a productive contributor. Across 29 collegiate games, Black totaled 50 receptions for 747 yards and three touchdowns.
Since entering the NFL, Black has received multiple opportunities to earn a roster spot but has yet to establish himself. He’ll now look to make the most of another chance in Detroit.
Jackson has limited NFL experience as well, appearing in three games for the Minnesota Vikings without recording a reception. His college career at Western Kentucky, however, was far more productive. Over four seasons and 51 games, Jackson hauled in 210 receptions for 2,691 yards and 13 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more reliable receivers in the program’s recent history.
Of the three newest additions, Martin has the most NFL experience.
After going undrafted in 2022, Martin signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent two seasons and appeared in three games. Although he didn’t record a catch during his time in San Francisco, he later joined the Tennessee Titans and made the most of his opportunity. In his lone appearance with Tennessee, Martin caught a 49-yard touchdown pass.
Following his release, Martin signed with the Washington Commanders, appearing in three games and catching both of his targets.
Martin also enjoyed a productive college career. Spending five seasons between Washington State and Oklahoma State, he appeared in 60 games, recording 80 receptions for 1,046 yards. More impressive was his ability to find the end zone, finishing his collegiate career with 28 touchdown receptions, including 10 during his final season.
While each of these signings brings intriguing backgrounds, it’s difficult to envision any of them making a serious push for a roster spot. At this point, players like Tom Kennedy, Cedrick Wilson and Dominic Lovett still appear to be well ahead in the competition for the fifth receiver role.
Even so, Detroit’s continued additions at wide receiver are worth monitoring. Whether the Lions simply want more competition throughout training camp or aren’t completely satisfied with the current depth chart, the front office is clearly leaving no stone unturned as they search for the best possible roster entering the 2026 season.
Continue reading...
As things currently stand, there are four receivers who appear to have roster spots all but locked up: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Isaac TeSlaa and Greg Dortch. The battle for the final receiver spot, however, remains wide open.
That competition became even more interesting after rookie Kendrick Law suffered a torn ACL and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Detroit initially responded by signing wide receiver Kyre Duplessis, but he was released shortly after. Even with Tom Kennedy, Dominic Lovett, Cedrick Wilson, Malik Cunningham and Jackson Meeks already on the roster, the Lions clearly felt they needed additional competition.
Detroit has since signed three more wide receivers: Tay Martin, Tarik Black and Lucky Jackson.
Both Black and Jackson are coming off impressive seasons in the UFL, where they played key roles in the Louisville franchise’s championship run. Black finished the season with 387 receiving yards and three touchdowns, while Jackson recorded 392 yards and two scores.
Black may be a familiar name to Michigan football fans. He spent three seasons with the Michigan Wolverines before transferring to Texas to finish his college career. While he never developed into a star at either program, he was a productive contributor. Across 29 collegiate games, Black totaled 50 receptions for 747 yards and three touchdowns.
Since entering the NFL, Black has received multiple opportunities to earn a roster spot but has yet to establish himself. He’ll now look to make the most of another chance in Detroit.
Jackson has limited NFL experience as well, appearing in three games for the Minnesota Vikings without recording a reception. His college career at Western Kentucky, however, was far more productive. Over four seasons and 51 games, Jackson hauled in 210 receptions for 2,691 yards and 13 touchdowns, establishing himself as one of the more reliable receivers in the program’s recent history.
Of the three newest additions, Martin has the most NFL experience.
After going undrafted in 2022, Martin signed with the San Francisco 49ers, where he spent two seasons and appeared in three games. Although he didn’t record a catch during his time in San Francisco, he later joined the Tennessee Titans and made the most of his opportunity. In his lone appearance with Tennessee, Martin caught a 49-yard touchdown pass.
Following his release, Martin signed with the Washington Commanders, appearing in three games and catching both of his targets.
Martin also enjoyed a productive college career. Spending five seasons between Washington State and Oklahoma State, he appeared in 60 games, recording 80 receptions for 1,046 yards. More impressive was his ability to find the end zone, finishing his collegiate career with 28 touchdown receptions, including 10 during his final season.
While each of these signings brings intriguing backgrounds, it’s difficult to envision any of them making a serious push for a roster spot. At this point, players like Tom Kennedy, Cedrick Wilson and Dominic Lovett still appear to be well ahead in the competition for the fifth receiver role.
Even so, Detroit’s continued additions at wide receiver are worth monitoring. Whether the Lions simply want more competition throughout training camp or aren’t completely satisfied with the current depth chart, the front office is clearly leaving no stone unturned as they search for the best possible roster entering the 2026 season.
Continue reading...
