After a strong run to the NFC Championship Game last season, narrowly losing to the San Francisco 49ers with a Super Bowl berth on the line, the Detroit Lions’ promising young core appears poised to make a significant push for the franchise’s first Lombardi Trophy this season.
The Lions invested heavily in quarterback Jared Goff, committing $212 million to him through the 2028 campaign. Goff, the former No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 draft, threw for 4,575 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 2023.
As the 2024 season approaches, Pro Football Focus suggests the Lions’ primary focus should be enhancing their receiving corps, which already includes playmakers like Amon-Ra St. Brown, deep threat Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond.
“Amon-Ra St. Brown has emerged as one of the league’s top receivers over the past two seasons,” writes Thomas Valentine for PFF. “The Lions still hope Jameson Williams can fulfill his draft potential. He caught 24 passes for 354 yards and two touchdowns in 2023 but has yet to fully integrate into the offense.”
Valentine notes that while Donovan Peoples-Jones and Kalif Raymond can contribute, and Sam LaPorta will receive plenty of targets, Detroit needs a true outside receiver. The free-agent market is slim in that regard, but the Lions could consider trading for Brandon Aiyuk, Tee Higgins, or Davante Adams. However, acquiring such players might be challenging and costly.
One potential free-agent target is Hunter Renfrow, who is expected to be cut by the Las Vegas Raiders to save $13.7 million against the cap. Renfrow, an experienced veteran slot receiver, could thrive on underneath routes alongside emerging star tight end Sam LaPorta in the Lions’ offense.
Renfrow, recently highlighted by Bleacher Report as one of the most underrated remaining free agents, has consistently been productive in his NFL career. Although his production dipped over the past two years, he previously had three consecutive seasons with over 49 receptions and 600 receiving yards, including a standout 111-catch season in 2021. Renfrow’s lateral quickness, hands, and toughness make him a valuable slot receiver.
Last season, Renfrow averaged 6.1 yards after the catch per reception, which could make him an ideal and reliable target for Goff, benefiting from the attention defenders must give to St. Brown and Williams downfield.
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