Lions free-agent profile: Jeremy Ross

To get ready for free agency, we're going to take a look at each of the Detroit Lions' 2015 free agents. Next up is wide receiver Jeremy Ross.

2014 stats

16 games (13 starts) | 24 catches, 314 yards, 1 TD | 2 carries, -1 yard | 2 lost fumbles

How he joined the Lions

Promoted from the practice squad in October 2013.

Case for re-signing him

Ross not only was the Lions' No. 3 receiver in 2014, but he also continued to serve as their kick and punt returner. Say what you want about his performance in those roles, but he's a versatile player. What's more, since Ross is an exclusive-rights free agent, the Lions can re-sign him to a minimum type of deal without any worries about him going elsewhere. In other words, it'd make sense to bring him back with the idea that he will be competing for his jobs on offense and special teams in training camp.

Case against re-signing him

Ross may be versatile, but he wasn't exactly very effective at receiver or returner. In fact, he sort of turned into a detriment at the returner spot by the end of the 2014 season. He was outstanding in that role in 2013, but based on what happened last season, the Lions would be wise to explore other options at returner. They would also be wise to upgrade the third receiver spot, so why even bother with another year of Ross?

Final verdict

If the Lions are going to have a legitimate competition at receiver and returner, then I don't have any issue with Ross being re-signed. He won't cost much, and perhaps he will improve his game in the offseason. If Ross is going to come back and simply keep his receiver and returner duties, however, then it's best for the Lions to just move on. They need to be much better at both spots in 2015.

Previously: QB Dan Orlovsky, QB Kellen Moore, FB Jed Collins