Undiscovered Treasure: The Lions Need to Target This Underappreciated Free Agent Wide Receiver
The Detroit Lions have undergone a major transformation in recent seasons, with the franchise rebuilding its roster, revitalizing its identity, and building an exciting team that could contend for years to come. With a revamped coaching staff and a young core led by Jared Goff, the Lions are on the rise, and they’ve made significant strides towards returning to playoff contention. However, despite all the improvements, one area where the Lions could stand to gain further strength is at the wide receiver position. A combination of injuries, inconsistent play, and lack of depth has hurt the team’s offensive potential in the past.
As the 2025 offseason approaches, the Lions find themselves in a great position to continue their growth by adding a difference-maker at wide receiver. The free agent market is filled with talent, but there’s one underappreciated gem that could be the missing piece in Detroit’s puzzle: Jarvis Landry.
Landry may not be the flashy name that has been associated with the elite wide receivers of recent years, but his skillset, work ethic, and leadership could elevate the Lions’ offense to new heights. Let’s dive deeper into why the Detroit Lions should target this under-the-radar wide receiver and how he fits perfectly into the team’s current needs.
The Case for Jarvis Landry: A Solid Veteran Presence
Over the past decade, Jarvis Landry has quietly been one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL. While he may not always grab the headlines, his consistent production and leadership make him an ideal candidate for a team like the Detroit Lions, who are still in the process of building a championship-contending roster. Known for his exceptional route-running ability, reliable hands, and clutch performances, Landry has been a stabilizing force for whichever team he has played for.
Landry’s career began in 2014 when he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins, where he immediately became a favorite target of quarterbacks. His ability to create separation with crisp route running, combined with his sure hands, allowed him to excel in both short and intermediate routes. By the time he left Miami in 2017, Landry had amassed 4,038 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns over three seasons. His ability to make tough catches and move the chains helped establish him as one of the most dependable wideouts in the league.
In 2018, Landry moved on to the Cleveland Browns, where his impact continued to grow. He played an instrumental role in helping the Browns rebuild after years of mediocrity, earning three Pro Bowl selections and becoming a key figure in their playoff appearances. Landry’s tenure with the Browns also saw him achieve career-high numbers in receiving yards, and his leadership on and off the field made him one of the team’s captains.
Fast forward to the 2023 season, and Landry’s production dipped as he dealt with injuries and a changing team dynamic. After a brief stint with the New Orleans Saints, his 2024 season didn’t quite match his earlier years, but his veteran presence and ability to perform in clutch moments remained intact. It’s no secret that Landry’s best years might be behind him, but the Lions could offer him a chance to revitalize his career and make a lasting impact in a supportive role.
What Landry Brings to the Lions: A Perfect Fit
The Detroit Lions have been making strides to build a high-powered offense, with Jared Goff leading the charge under center. Goff, who has proven he can be a capable starter, especially when surrounded by talent, has benefited greatly from having solid weapons in the passing game. The addition of Amon-Ra St. Brown as the top receiving option has been a revelation, but the Lions still lack depth at the wide receiver position. With no true second-tier option stepping up consistently, Goff has often been left with limited options outside of St. Brown.
That’s where Jarvis Landry could come in.
Landry isn’t the type of receiver who will wow you with breakaway speed or dazzling catches, but he is a technician on the field. His precise route running and ability to create separation would give Goff a dependable target in crucial moments. Whether it’s a key third down, red zone situation, or simply a move-the-chains type of play, Landry’s ability to win in short-yardage situations would be an immediate asset to the Lions.
Furthermore, Landry has a well-deserved reputation for being a reliable hands catcher. His ability to secure passes, even in traffic or with defenders draped over him, has been one of his defining traits throughout his career. Detroit’s offense could benefit greatly from this consistency, especially in high-pressure situations when the margin for error is slim.
In addition to his on-field skills, Landry brings significant leadership value to the locker room. A vocal presence with a winning mentality, Landry’s guidance and experience could help mentor younger receivers, like St. Brown, and ensure that Detroit’s receiving corps is always mentally prepared to compete. Landry has often been described as a workhorse who leads by example, staying late after practice to perfect his craft and offering advice to his teammates. This veteran leadership would be invaluable for a Detroit team that is still in the process of finding its identity and cohesion.
Landry’s Fit with the Current Lions Roster
When assessing how Landry would complement the current Lions roster, it’s important to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the offense as a whole. The Lions are a run-first team, led by one of the best running backs in the league, Jahmyr Gibbs, who has demonstrated incredible vision and speed. This type of offense can open up opportunities for the passing game, especially when defenses are caught off guard by play-action or short passes designed to gain positive yardage.
This is where Landry’s ability to contribute to the passing game in a well-rounded way fits perfectly with Detroit’s offensive system. Landry isn’t just a deep threat, and he doesn’t rely on speed to get open. His agility, route-shaping skills, and ability to create separation make him an ideal option for short-to-intermediate passes, all of which could open up explosive plays down the field for the Lions.
In addition to his talents as a receiver, Landry is also known for his run-blocking abilities. A scrappy, physical player, Landry has shown a willingness to put in the dirty work and help his team on the ground. This trait would be especially beneficial for the Lions, who value an effective running game. Whether it’s helping to seal the edge for Gibbs or springing a play-action pass to open up more downfield opportunities, Landry would be an asset in the blocking game as well.
Finally, one of the most significant reasons why Landry could be a perfect fit for Detroit is his ability to play within a system without demanding the spotlight. In an offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown as the clear top option, Landry would be able to slide into a secondary role without pressure to be the “go-to” guy. This would allow him to thrive in a role that plays to his strengths: creating separation on key downs, being a reliable target for Goff, and helping to sustain long drives.
The Financial Consideration: Why Landry is a Low-Risk, High-Reward Signing
With the Lions looking to build a team capable of sustained success, one of the biggest challenges they face is managing their salary cap and making wise decisions when it comes to adding players. Jarvis Landry, who is no longer in the prime of his career, would likely come at a relatively affordable price compared to other top-tier wide receivers on the free-agent market.
Taking a chance on Landry would present little financial risk for the Lions, but it offers a high reward in terms of both production and leadership. At this stage in his career, Landry would likely be open to a short-term, incentive-laden deal that would allow him to prove his worth and potentially set himself up for a more lucrative contract down the line. For the Lions, signing Landry would be a smart investment that could pay off both on and off the field.
Conclusion: A Missing Piece to the Puzzle
The Detroit Lions are on the cusp of greatness, but they still have areas to improve in order to become true contenders in the NFC. Adding a veteran presence like Jarvis Landry to their wide receiver room would give them an immediate boost in consistency, reliability, and leadership. While Landry may not be the flashiest option available, his skill set and experience make him a perfect fit for the Lions, who could benefit from his expertise in running crisp routes, making clutch catches, and providing a steady presence in the locker room.
As the Lions continue their ascent, targeting an underappreciated free agent like Landry could be the key to unlocking their full potential. With Landry on board, the Lions could have the missing piece they need to take the next step toward an NFC Championship and beyond.