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The Detroit Lions may have 13 total wide receivers under contract right now (14 if you count exclusive-rights free agent Kris Durham), but they are still on the hunt for more pass catchers. That's clear from the fact that their first three pre-draft visits have involved wide receivers, and it's also clear from this piece of news:
Giants WR Domenik Hixon received an offer from the Lions but has tabled it for now. Looking for a better opportunity.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) March 12, 2013
Domenik Hixon has been in the NFL since 2006. He spent the first season and some change of his career with the Denver Broncos before joining the New York Giants. In New York, he put up pretty good numbers in 2008, catching 43 passes for 596 yards and 2 touchdowns. His numbers were way down in 2009, though, and ACL injuries kept him out for almost all of the next two seasons. Last year, Hixon rebounded with 39 catches for 567 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Would adding Hixon upgrade the Lions' depth at wide receiver? Sure, but I don't really see him as having the potential to be a No. 2 wide receiver, and that's really what the Lions need right now. Of course, given their cap situation, landing one is easier said than done, so perhaps that's why Martin Mayhew is bringing in so many wide receivers for pre-draft visits. It seems more likely that the Lions will find someone to fill that role in the draft rather than in free agency.
More:
• Follow all of the Lions' free agency news
• 2013 Detroit Lions free agency tracker