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Detroit Lions

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DJ Chark DJ Chark No physical limitations Thu, May 12, 2022, 1:18 PM Chark said he has taken part in early offseason workouts with no real physical limitations, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "[The coaching staff] is always there to let me know like, if it's bothering me I don't have to push it as hard or things like that, cause they want me to be where I'm at my peak when the season starts. But no, I do everything that everybody else does," Chark recently said. Analysis: Chark missed most of the 2021 campaign with a fractured ankle, but he has seemingly had a productive offseason that somewhat started with joining Jared Goff for throwing sessions in California. Since then, the receiver has been getting acclimated in Detroit and has remained setback-free while doing so. If the 25-year-old can stay that way through the end of the summer, Chark should easily open the season as the Lions' No. 1 perimeter receiver while Jameson Williams (knee) works his way back from an ACL injury.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Amon-Ra St. Brown Offensive role shrinking Thu, May 12, 2022, 1:10 PM St. Brown acknowledged that Detroit's offseason acquisitions could lead to a lesser role than he had in the final six games of last season, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "Adding some receivers, I think we're a complete offense now if you ask me, so I'm excited to see what we can do," St. Brown said. Analysis: Only Cooper Kupp was more productive than St. Brown was down the stretch of last season, but he got there with an inflated target share that was aided by the absences of fellow short-range receivers T.J. Hockenson and D'Andre Swift. The healthy return of those two alone would figure to eat away at a large chunk of the 11.2 targets per game St. Brown was seeing. Add in the fact that Detroit now has two promising perimeter receivers in DJ Chark and Jameson Williams (knee), and St. Brown could see a dramatic downturn in offensive opportunities relative to last year's productive stretch that saw him average 8.5 receptions, 93.3 receiving yards and one touchdown per game.
Quintez Cephus Quintez Cephus Facing added competition Fri, May 6, 2022, 4:47 PM Cephus is facing added competition for snaps after the offseason acquisitions of DJ Chark and Jameson Williams (knee), Nick Baumgardner and Chris Burke of The Athletic report. Analysis: After Tyrell Williams went down in Week 1 and before Cephus broke his collarbone in Week 5, the Wisconsin product had a large role that commanded at least 70 percent of the offensive snaps per game. However, the 6-foot-4 Chark seemingly fits the mold that Detroit has been looking for at "X" receiver, and Detroit traded up in the first round to add another promising perimeter receiver in Williams. With Amon-Ra St. Brown locked into the slot role, Cephus seems no higher than No. 4 or 5 on the depth chart entering 2022. However, if the Lions take a cautious approach with Williams' return from an ACL injury, the short list of candidates to take his spot in the starting lineup would be Cephus and Josh Reynolds.
Jameson Williams Jameson Williams Surgeon provides hope Wed, May 4, 2022, 2:07 PM The orthopedic surgeon who led Williams' (knee) reconstructive ACL surgery indicated that the receiver's knee injury did not involve damage to other ligaments, and it is possible that Williams could gain medical clearance ahead of training camp, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. "Jameson's goal is to play first preseason game, obviously. I told him, I said, 'Look, depending on which team you go to, most teams are probably - they're going to be very conservative. You've got to understand that,'" said Dr. Lyle Cain of Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center. Analysis: It initially seemed highly optimistic for Williams to be ready for training camp this summer considering he underwent knee surgery six-and-a-half months earlier. However, it sounds like his knee injury was not as severe as many of them tend to be, which led doctors to prescribe a 5-to-7 month timeline for recovery that would align with the start of training camp. The fact that Williams has already resumed running and regaining the range of motion in his knee provides evidence that this recovery is going smoothly. With that said, Williams could remain setback-free and the Lions' coaching staff might still take a conservative approach with his return to the field come training camp. Fantasy managers should prepare accordingly, as it remains a possibility that Williams starts the 2022 campaign on the sidelines.
Jared Goff Jared Goff Facing make-or-break season Mon, May 2, 2022, 11:06 AM Goff is facing a make-or-break season after Detroit spent its offseason improving his supporting cast without acquiring a potential successor at quarterback, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: The Lions' front office not only steered clear of the quarterback market in free agency, they did not spend a draft pick on a developmental prospect, either. Instead, they bolstered Goff's receiving options with DJ Chark, first-round rookie Jameson Williams (knee) and tight end James Mitchell (knee). Now, Goff has a fantastic receiving corps to complement a highly-pedigreed offensive line and a capable backfield. If Goff can't succeed within this talented offensive roster, it seems highly likely that Detroit will look for someone who can next offseason, when Goff could be cut with relatively minimal salary cap implications.
Amon-Ra St. Brown Amon-Ra St. Brown Joined by first-round receiver Mon, May 2, 2022, 10:49 AM St. Brown is being joined by 2022 first-round draft pick Jameson Williams within the Lions' receiving corps, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: After trying to get by with aging veterans in Tyrell Williams and Breshad Perriman last year, Detroit enters the 2022 campaign with a significant upgrade at outside receiver in the form of Jameson Williams and a 25-year-old second-rounder (2018) in DJ Chark. Considering Chark owns an impressive 4.34 40 time and still might be markedly slower than Jameson Williams (who was unable to participate in the 40 this offseason), St. Brown stands to benefit from these speedy additions, which likely will give St. Brown more room to work in the middle of the field. The main concern is how St. Brown's volume will be affected after he averaged 11.2 targets per game over the final six contests of the 2021 season.
James Mitchell James Mitchell Nearing full medical clearance Mon, May 2, 2022, 9:40 AM Mitchell (knee) expects to receive full medical clearance by June, Benjamin Raven of MLive.com reports. "I'm seven months out, seven months and some weeks," Mitchell said. "I'm pretty much back. I'm doing everything from running, cutting, running routes. I'm expected to be fully cleared by June at the latest. I'll be ready to go by training camp. I'm excited." Analysis: Mitchell presumably fell to the fifth round of last week's draft due to an ACL injury he suffered last September. When healthy, the Virginia Tech product should slot no lower than fourth on the depth chart entering training camp. If all goes right this summer, Mitchell could possibly challenge Brock Wright and Garrett Griffin for the No. 2 role at tight end behind T.J. Hockenson -- while possibly getting snaps at H-back as well.
T.J. Hockenson T.J. Hockenson Fifth-year option picked up Tue, Apr 26, 2022, 6:23 PM The Lions officially exercised Hockenson's (thumb) fifth year option for 2023 on Tuesday, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: General manager Brad Holmes indicated in late March the Lions would be picking up the option, and the team made that transaction official Tuesday. A long-term deal could still come to fruition, but Hockenson is now under contract for the next two years. The 24-year-old caught 61 of 84 targets for 583 yards and four touchdowns in 12 games in 2021 before undergoing season-ending thumb surgery. There hasn't been any concern regarding his availability for offseason workouts during the spring and summer.
DJ Chark D.J. Chark Catching passes from Goff Fri, Apr 22, 2022, 7:35 AM Chark recently joined Jared Goff for a throwing session in California, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: Chark missed most of last season after fracturing his ankle in Week 4. While it's not perfectly clear where he stands in his recovery, head coach Dan Campbell said the Lions expect nearly perfect attendance for the start of offseason workouts, and Chark's ability to catch passes from Goff in recent weeks demonstrates that the wideout is not starting the offseason on the sidelines.
Godwin Igwebuike Godwin Igwebuike Signs tender with Detroit Tue, Apr 19, 2022, 5:35 PM Igwebuike signed his exclusive-rights tender with the Lions on Tuesday, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports. Analysis: Igwebuike will be back for his second season with Detroit and his fourth NFL season overall. The reserve running back appeared in all 17 games for the Lions last season, tallying 18 rushes for 118 yards and one rushing touchdown as well as seven catches for 60 yards, but made his biggest impact as the team's primary kick returner with 697 return yards but no touchdowns. Igwebuike should reprise this role next season with Detroit but will look to eliminate his turnover mistakes after fumbling twice in 2021.
Brock Wright Brock Wright Stays with Lions Mon, Apr 18, 2022, 6:57 PM Wright signed a one-year contract with the Lions on Monday, Howard Balzer of SI.com reports. Analysis: Wright joined the Lions as an undrafted free agent out of Notre Dame in 2021. The rookie appeared in 10 games for the Lions last season, all after Week 7, recording 12 catches on 17 targets for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Currently No. 2 on the Lions' positional depth chart at tight end, Wright will work to build on his rookie campaign this upcoming season.
Tom Kennedy Tom Kennedy Gets new deal Mon, Apr 18, 2022, 6:52 PM Kennedy signed a one-year contract with the Lions on Monday, Howard Balzer of SI.com reports. Analysis: Kennedy appeared in 12 games with Detroit last season, recording six catches on 10 targets for 54 yards. The 25-year-old has been in-and-out of the Lions' organization since 2019 and has yet to make an impact. He'll work to change that in 2022.
T.J. Hockenson T.J. Hockenson Fifth-year option to be exercised Wed, Mar 30, 2022, 2:45 PM General manager Brad Holmes confirmed Tuesday that the Lions will pick up the fifth-year option on Hockenson's (thumb) contract, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports. Analysis: Expect the Lions to formally make the decision before the May 2 deadline, though it's possible that Hockenson could agree to a long-term deal before then. In any case, the Lions don't seem to have any concern that the tight end's season-ending thumb injury will affect his availability for offseason workouts this spring and summer.
Jared Goff Jared Goff No commitment from GM Wed, Mar 30, 2022, 2:12 PM General manager Brad Holmes wouldn't firmly commit to Goff being the Lions' long-term solution at quarterback, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports. "Sure, I could see some advantage of there [being] a young quarterback that can learn under Jared," Holmes said Tuesday at the NFL's annual league meeting. Analysis: Despite a number of signal-callers signing lucrative deals this offseason, the cap hits on Goff's contract remain in the top 10 among all quarterbacks for each of the next three seasons. However, no guaranteed money is owed to Goff after 2022, and the Lions own plenty of draft capital to potentially use on a developmental prospect this spring, including the Nos. 2, 32, and 34 selections. While Goff should continue as the team's starter for the upcoming campaign, he'll probably need to show dramatic improvement in order to stick around in Detroit any longer than that.
Garrett Griffin Garrett Griffin Signs with Detroit Thu, Mar 17, 2022, 6:26 PM Griffin agreed to a contract with the Lions on Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press reports. Analysis: Griffin appeared in a career-high 13 games with the Saints in 2021 and hauled in all four of his targets for 39 yards. He wasn't tendered a contract by New Orleans in early March but will attempt to carve out a depth role with the Lions in 2022.
David Blough David Blough Staying with Lions Thu, Mar 17, 2022, 12:07 PM Blough agreed to re-sign with the Lions on Thursday, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports. Analysis: Blough served mainly as Detroit's No. 3 quarterback in 2021 and played just four offensive snaps during his third season with the Lions. He should continue to serve behind starter Jared Goff and primary backup Tim Boyle heading into the 2022 campaign
Kalif Raymond Kalif Raymond Sticking with Detroit Tue, Mar 15, 2022, 2:41 PM Raymond is re-signing with the Lions, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Raymond is a 27-year-old journeyman who made 14 starts for Detroit last season and finished with career highs across the board (48-576-4 on 71 targets). He'll be back with the Lions, but there's significant danger of slipping down the depth chart, especially after the team reached an agreement earlier Tuesday with former Jags wideout D.J. Chark. Prior to that, the Lions signed Josh Reynolds to a two-year extension, giving them another experienced option behind Chark and second-year receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
DJ Chark D.J. Chark Signing with Detroit for one season Tue, Mar 15, 2022, 7:46 AM Chark (ankle) is signing a one-year, $10 million contract with the Lions, Justin Rogers of The Detroit News reports. Analysis: Coming back from a season-ending ankle fracture suffered in Week 4 of 2021, the 25-year-old wideout reportedly will receive $10 million guaranteed with another $2 million available via incentives. Chark should be ready for training camp, or perhaps even the offseason program, at which point he'll profile as the top downfield threat for Lions QB Jared Goff. The team also has Amon-Ra St. Brown coming off a big rookie year where he did most of his damage in the slot, while perimeter receiver Josh Reynolds recently signed a two-year extension. Chark, a 2018 second-round pick, caught 147 passes for 2,042 yards and 15 TDs over his four years in Jacksonville, with about half that production coming in his second season (73-1,008-8 receiving line in 2019). He'll turn 26 in September and shouldn't have too much trouble earning snaps and targets in Detroit.
Tim Boyle Tim Boyle Sticking with Detroit Mon, Mar 14, 2022, 9:15 AM The Lions re-signed Boyle to a one-year, $2 million contract Monday, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Boyle's contract includes $1.75 million in guaranteed money, with another $500,000 in incentives. The 27-year-old signal-caller started three games for the Lions last season, throwing more interceptions than touchdowns in each contest and only exceeding 200 passing yards once. However, Detroit appears satisfied enough with Boyle's ability to helm the offense under emergency circumstances, and he's now positioned to reprise a familiar role as the No. 2 option behind Jared Goff unless further options are added to the quarterback room.
Josh Reynolds Josh Reynolds Agrees to two-year deal Tue, Mar 8, 2022, 11:16 AM Reynolds has agreed to a two-year extension with the Lions, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. Analysis: Per the report, the deal carries a maximum value of $12 million. Reynolds, who began the 2021 season with the Titans, joined the Lions as a waiver claim in November and proceeded to record a 19/306/2 stat line in seven games for Detroit. Garafolo indicates that retaining the 2017 fourth-rounder was something the team wanted to get done before free agency and we'd expect that the Lions will continue to add wideout depth as the offseason unfolds.