Lions free-agent profile: Lance Moore may be best option for wide receiver depth

To get ready for free agency, we're going to take a look at each of the Detroit Lions' 2016 free agents. Next up, Lance Moore.

2015 stats

14 games (8 starts) | 29 catches, 337 yards, 4 TDs | 1 lost fumble

How he joined the Lions

Signed a one-year deal with Detroit in May 2015.

Case for re-signing him

When Moore joined the team, he wasn't even a lock to make the final roster. But Moore ended up passing TJ Jones and Corey Fuller on the depth chart. Not only that, but he actually managed to put up significant numbers as the No. 3 receiver. His knowledge of the New Orleans-based offense proved valuable, and while he wasn't a huge factor in every game, he managed to tally a reception in 12 of his 14 games this year.

Moore improved on his stats from 2014 with the Saints, and now he'd love to stay in Detroit for another year. With a very weak free agency class of wide receivers, he may be one of the best options.

Case against re-signing him

Moore will be 33 by the time the 2016 regular season starts. It's hard to imagine he has much left in the tank, as Moore hasn't finished with more than 500 yard receiving since 2012. Detroit is likely still holding out hope that TJ Jones will improve to more than a special teams player.

And as weak as the free agency class is, there are a fair amount of good options for a third, slot receiver type. This includes Rishard Matthews, Jermaine Kearse and Nate Washington, all of which had much better stats than Moore and two of which are much younger options (Matthews and Kearse).

Picking up a different free agent will likely be a more expensive option for Detroit, but with Calvin Johnson's retirement looming, the Lions may want to make that sort of investment in wide receiver depth anyway.

Final verdict

Moore would be a cheap, short-sighted option for the Lions. That being said, he may be worth signing again for no other reason than the Lions will be needing depth at the position. Even if Detroit does decide to re-sign Moore, they should consider adding one of the free agent options. The Lions will most likely be in the market not just for a third receiver, but also for a viable second option. Adding wide receiver talent -- whether it be the seasoned Moore and/or one of the better free agents out there -- needs to be high priority for the Lions.

Previously: QB Dan Orlovsky