Detroit Lions sign WR Tommylee Lewis

The Detroit Lions have added another offensive weapon. The team announced Tuesday afternoon that they’ve signed former Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis.

Detroit brought Lewis in for a visit last week, and it appears they like what they saw.

Lewis has been made infamous for being the receiver involved in the controversial play in the NFC Championship game, in which Lewis was hit early, but the officials did not call pass interference. However, Lewis has not otherwise made much of an impact on the NFL since entering the league in 2016. He only has 20 total receptions for 252 yards and two touchdowns.

However, Lewis could find a role in Detroit as a kick returner. The Lions likely have their punt returner in Jamal Agnew, but Detroit has struggled to find an impact player on kickoffs over the past couple years. In 24 career kick returns, Lewis is averaging a solid 22.0 yards per return, though he only has a career long of 39 yards.

Last week the Lions signed Danny Amendola, meaning the speedy Lewis will have trouble cracking Detroit’s top three receivers, but with a good camp, Lewis could compete for a spot on the roster as the team’s WR4.

If there’s one player on the Lions roster that may be pulling for Lewis, it’s Kenny Golladay. The two were teammates at Northern Illinois.

Catch up on all the Lions’ latest signing with our 2019 Detroit Lions free agency tracker.