Detroit Lions tried to sign free agent WR Jermaine Kearse

On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions’ lack of receiver depth was on full display. With Marvin Jones Jr. and Kenny Golladay sidelined for most of Day 2 of OTAs, Detroit had a slew of receivers rotating in the starting lineup that will be fighting for NFL roster spots come August.

It appears the Lions are looking to improve their situation at wideout. As first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Lions worked out free agent Jermaine Kearse on Wednesday. However, the two sides were unable to come together and agree upon a contract:

It’s easy to see how Kearse would have fit into the Lions’ plans. Kearse spent his first five years in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks, working under offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell for that entire span. Bevell, of course, is now the Lions’ offensive coordinator.

Though Kearse has some position versatility in the slot, he would mainly provide much-needed depth on the outside. Detroit did draft Travis Fulgham in the sixth round this year, but the Lions certainly need some more proven outside guys on the roster, and at 6-foot-1, 209 pounds, Kearse could have been that guy.

In Kearse’s prime, he was hauling in around 40 catches a year for 500-700 yards a season. He likely wouldn’t have had that big of a role in Detroit, seeing as he’d be firmly behind Golladay and Jones.

Regardless, it doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for Kearse to come to Detroit. However, this does indicate the Lions are in the market for a receiver. We’ll see if they make a move to grab a different one shortly.