Former Lions TE Luke Willson signs with Raiders

There hasn’t been a lot of buzz from the former Detroit Lions players who hit free agency due to an expiring contract. In fact, through two weeks into free agency, only one other Lions free agent has found a new home: defensive end Kerry Hyder, who signed with the Cowboys (Note: Bruce Ellington and Nevin Lawson have found other teams, but they were released by Detroit).

But it’s time to add another to the list. Tight end Luke Willson has a new team. According to Adam Caplan, the former Lions tight end is signing a one-year deal with the Raiders.

The signing has now been confirmed by the Raiders.

Willson signed with Detroit last year with hopes of bringing some offensive productivity and energy to a tight end corps that was left devastatingly empty after releasing Eric Ebron and failing to re-sign Darren Fells.

Unfortunately, things didn’t work out with Willson. Despite being energized returning to his hometown team, Willson managed to catch just 13 passes all year for only 87 yards and zero touchdowns.

Apparently there was no interest in a reunion with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who the Lions hired this offseason and had worked alongside Willson in Seattle. Instead, the Lions are currently rolling with their big free agency signing Jesse James, third-year tight end Michael Roberts and potentially Logan Thomas. However, there’s still a very real possibility the Lions add more tight end talent in the upcoming draft.