2015 Detroit Lions roster review: Wide receiver

As part of our season wrap-up series, we are going to examine how each player on the roster performed in 2015. Next, let's take a look at the Detroit Lions' wide receivers.

Calvin Johnson

2015 stats: 16 games (16 starts) | 88 catches, 1,214 yards, 9 TDs | 1 lost fumble
2016 status: ?????????DOOM????????

Despite battling through an ankle injury once again, Johnson had a highly efficient 2015 season. His yardage total was the fifth highest of his career, as was his touchdown total. But the wear-and-tear on his body was the storyline of his year. Johnson was constantly forced to take days off of practice to let his body heal, and he was listed as questionable for nearly every game after re-aggravating his ankle early in the season. The injuries have taken a toll, and as a result, Johnson is very seriously considering retirement.

Golden Tate

2015 stats: 16 games (16 starts) | 90 catches, 813 yards, 6 TDs | 6 carries, 41 yards | 1 lost fumble
2016 status: Signed through 2018

Tate's 2015 season wasn't quite as dominant as his previous year, but he was still very much an integral part of the offense. Tate always seemed to come through with a big first down conversion or a broken tackle at a crucial moment. Additionally, Tate was quite impressive as the Lions' punt returner, averaging 7.5 yards per return.

Lance Moore

2015 stats: 14 games (8 starts) | 29 catches, 337 yards, 4 TDs | 1 lost fumbles
2016 status: Unrestricted free agent

Moore was anything but a lock to make the Lions' final roster, but his familiarity with the Saints-style offense eventually earned him a spot on the 53. Moore had a quiet, but effective season. His year was highlighted by a breakout 106-yard performance against the Bears in Week 6.

TJ Jones

2015 stats: 10 games (0 starts) | 10 catches, 132 yards, 1 TD | 1 carry, -3 yards
2016 status: Signed through 2017

The Lions failed to find a way to work Jones consistently into the game plan in 2015. Jones was basically a non-factor offensively, but did make some special teams contributions as a kickoff and punt returner. Considering this was essentially Jones' rookie season after suffering a season-long injury in 2014, there's no reason to give up on Jones yet.

Corey Fuller

2015 stats: 12 games (0 starts) | 4 catches, 76 yards | 1 lost fumble
2016 status: Exclusive rights free agent

Fuller did not make any impact with the team in the final year of his rookie contract. Fuller only caught a ball in three different games, and was inactive for the final three contests of the season.

Outlook for 2016

There could be a lot of changes coming for the Lions' wide receiver position. Johnson's impending retirement is the first domino to possibly fall. If Megatron does walk out the door, the Lions will have to find a starting-caliber receiver. Tate may be capable to take over as the Lions' No. 1 receiver, but Detroit would be left without a solid option to line up opposite him.

Even if Calvin decides to stick around, the Lions have some decisions to make regarding the depth at receiver. Lance Moore wants to return to Detroit and did enough to warrant consideration. Corey Fuller may stick around for camp simply because he's an exclusive-rights free agent, but Detroit needs to bring in competition because Fuller seems unlikely to make the team next year. TJ Jones will be around in 2016, but his development is no guarantee. Expect the Lions to add at least two or three receivers through free agency and the draft.

Previously: Quarterbacks, running backs, fullbacks