Lions sign former Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell

The Lions did not draft a wide receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft until their last pick in the seventh round, but they have worked to address the position through alternative channels. On Wednesday, Detroit signed former Broncos wide receiver Andre Caldwell, a veteran of eight seasons in the league.

Per NBC's Pro Football Talk:

Lions sign former Broncos WR Andre Caldwell to one-year deal per source.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 4, 2016

Caldwell was signed to a two year, $2,700,000 contract with the Broncos in 2014. Last season, he played in 14 games and caught ten passes for 72 yards and two touchdowns. It is expected that Caldwell will compete for a backup role at the position in training camp against TJ Jones, Corey Fuller and recently-signed undrafted free agent Jay Lee.

On Wednesday the Lions also released tight end Jordan Thompson, who has been on the practice squad since 2014. According to ESPN's Michael Rothstein, Thompson's release is a result of a failed physical examination. His release ensures that the Lions do not go over the 90-man roster limit with their signing of Caldwell.