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As we start to look ahead to training camp, we're going to take a position-by-position look at the Detroit Lions roster. Next up is the wide receiver position. (The final year of each player's contract is listed in parentheses.)
Back from last season: Calvin Johnson (2019), Golden Tate (2018), Jeremy Ross (2015), Corey Fuller (2015), TJ Jones (2017), Ryan Broyles (2015), Andrew Peacock (2016)
New to the team: Lance Moore (2015), Greg Salas (2015), Vernon Johnson (2017), Jarred Haggins (2017)
The wide receiver position for the Lions can really be divided up into three main tiers. The first tier features only Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. They are the clear-cut top two wide receivers on the team, and that isn't going to change unless injuries happen.
The second tier at wide receiver features the various players in serious contention for the No. 3 receiver job. Jeremy Ross is included in this tier considering he held that role last season, and Lance Moore, who only joined the Lions last month, is also one of the main players in this competition. In addition, Corey Fuller shouldn't be counted out, although he's likely going to remain in the No. 4 spot on the depth chart.
The final tier at wide receiver includes everyone else. Ryan Broyles and TJ Jones are the headliners for this tier, and they will be battling Andrew Peacock, Greg Salas, Vernon Johnson and Jarred Haggins for what will likely be the final spot on the 53-man roster at this position. It's possible that some of the players left over from the second tier could wind up down in this tier, as a player like Ross, for example, is hardly a lock to make the team if he doesn't retain the No. 3 receiver job, especially if he also loses his job as the Lions' returner.
Need going forward?
The Lions recently kicked the tires on free agents Robert Meachem and Brad Smith, but neither player ended up signing. Those two guys are probably a good representation of what the Lions may be looking for at this point, though. If they sign any non-camp bodies, expect the receiver to either be familiar with the Lions' type of offense or able to contribute heavily on special teams. Outside of that, it's probably not possible for the Lions to make any significant additions at this point in the offseason.
Previously: Quarterback, running back, fullback