The Detroit Lions had a relatively quiet free agency period this offseason, but their strategy quickly shifted following the NFL Draft. While much of the attention has focused on how Tyleik Williams could impact the defensive line, one of the biggest ripple effects may actually come on the offensive side — specifically, in the wide receiver room.
Detroit didn’t make many moves at receiver in free agency, which hinted they would address the position during the draft. Now, with their recent draft picks and undrafted free agent signings, the only wideout they brought in earlier this year could be the odd man out before the season even begins.
Ronnie Bell’s Spot in Jeopardy
The Lions signed Ronnie Bell to a reserve/future contract in January, bringing in the former San Francisco 49er and Michigan Wolverine with hopes that he’d provide solid depth and upside. At 24 years old with 26 NFL games under his belt, Bell looked like a smart addition to the roster.
However, the draft changed everything.
The Lions made a splash by selecting Isaac TeSlaa, who’s expected to compete for a meaningful role. Then in the seventh round, they added Dominic Lovett out of Georgia, directly impacting the competition for roster spots at wide receiver.
As if that weren’t enough, Detroit signed two more receivers — Jackson Meeks and Jakobie Keeney-James — as undrafted free agents immediately after the draft. All of this points to a crowded and competitive receiver room heading into camp.
For Bell, the concern isn’t just losing a spot on the active roster. His NFL experience could actually make him less likely to stick around on the practice squad, as other teams may be more inclined to claim him if he’s waived.
If the Lions’ rookie wideouts show promise, Bell could find himself on the outside looking in — never having taken a single snap in Honolulu blue.