The only NFL free agent wide receiver worth inviting to training camp for the Lions
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is already making some changes to the roster after OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The team waived undrafted rookie Steele Chambers and signed veteran linebacker Ben Niemann on Monday. There could be more changes coming ahead of camp. Holmes has talked about bringing in receiver help during camp and we […]
Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes is already making some changes to the roster after OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The team waived undrafted rookie Steele Chambers and signed veteran linebacker Ben Niemann on Monday. There could be more changes coming ahead of camp.
Holmes has talked about bringing in receiver help during camp and we took a look at what's out there to see if any of the current free agents are worth a look. A note here. We're not counting guys that are in different leagues. The Lions should sign Battlehawks receiver Hakeem Butler, but that's not what this story is about.
The cupboard is pretty bare, but there are two names that came to mind. One of them for the vampire type reasons.
The guy we're really looking at is Russell Gage. Keep in mind that this is an invitation to camp that we're talking about. This isn't a guaranteed starting spot or even a spot on the roster. It's an opportunity to see what's there.
Gage has had an interesting last few years. In 2020 and 2021 he was a solid contributor to the Falcons offense. He racked up over 90 receptions and 700 yards in consecutive seasons. Those seasons got him a three year deal with the Buccaneers in 2022. He worked well with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and offered a third weapon for the team.
Then an injury ended all of it. Gage suffered a torn patellar tendon during training camp last year and he wound up missing the entire season. It's a devastating injury, but that doesn't mean his career is over. The Bucs did not pickup his option in March and he's now a free agent.
There's going to be teams that are likely to invite Gage to camp this year, the Lions should be the one that actually has him out. It's worth a look. Gage just turned 28-years-old and probably still has some game left in him.
What you can get out of Gage is a guy that can play both out wide and in the slot and has some decent yards after the catch ability. He can also make the contested catch as well. He would be a solid depth guy and if he's fully healthy and ready to go, he would present a challenge for that third receiver spot.
Oh yeah, he can also do this if you need him to. Ben Johnson would be a fan.
Again, this is just an invite to camp that we're talking about here. If Gage can still play, then it's worth it. If he can't then you move on with no harm done.
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There's never a shortage of good quotes around here. The Detroit Lions may have two of the best talkers in the business in head coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes. They said a lot during the offseason, but there was a handful of quotes that were really important and should be remembered as we […]
