Detroit Lions Team Stats 2019 Lions Snaps

Have the Lions found their next franchise tight end?

Tight end was by far the weakest offensive position for the Lions in 2018. They quickly changed that by drafting T.J. Hockenson with the 8th overall pick in this year’s draft. Though this might have been early, the Lions believed Hockenson would be their long term solution after striking out with Brandon Pettigrew and Eric Ebron in 2014. However, he might be well worth the pick having been one of the best rated tight ends coming out of the draft in the past few years. he’s a great run blocker and only dropped two passes in his collegiate career.

To make things even safer, the Lions brought in former Steeler, Jesse James. While this signining came before the selection of Hockenson in the draft, Detroit will now have one of the best tight ends duos in the league. James is a great target in the red zone who averaged 14.1 yards per reception last year. We’ll see how the Lions decide to work both these players in the lineup but nevertheless, this should be an elite group this season.

Will bringing in another Patriot help Detroit?

Last year, Matt Patricia ditched his role with New England and inked a contract to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions. This offseason, he’ll get to bring in one of his former players in Trey Flowers to replace Ezekiel Ansah at the defensive end position. The former Patriot was one of the best pass rushers available and Detroit wasted no time in offering him a deal.

The bad news for Lions fans is the money in the deal. It goes to say that committing a five year deal with roughly $16 to $17 million dollars per year is a fairly sizable commitment. He’ll surely have to produce for Detroit to get their money’s worth. He’ll have to play like the Lions best player though he’s yet to record double digit sacks in a single year throughout his career. Nevertheless, he’ll offer great versatility on the line and will hopefully be in for a career year.

With another New Englander joining Detroit, though this time on the offensive side, will he offer the explosive ability that the offense desires?

With Golden Tate now in Philadelphia, the Lions were in need of a new face for it’s slot receiver position. Enter Danny Amendola. While he’s nothing special and certainly doesn’t have the potential of Tate, Amendola will give Stafford a very stable target in the slot position that should make for a solid 650 yard campaign. He’s not flashy but in a year where the Lions hope for further development from Kenny Golladay and trusty veteran Marvin Jones, he doesn’t have to be.

For $4.25 million, Detroit was able to snag a solid and effective target for Stafford. While he certainly isn’t expected to be a star at his age, Amendola gives Detroit exactly what it needs and might prove to be a bargain if he can help bring a winning culture to the clubhouse. At the same time, Amendola’s best days may be behind him and he likely doesn’t offer too much appeal. Detroit will likely lean more on it’s other two receivers and tight ends, leaving Amendola to be a complementary piece and even a forgotten receiver.