The Houston Texans now have a plenty of wide receiver depth after acquiring Stefon Diggs, something the Detroit Lions might utilize.
According to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, the clubs might support one another. The Lions are reportedly interested in trading for veteran wide receiver Robert Woods, which would provide the Texans with a draft pick and some salary cap relief. Additionally, it would enable the Lions to make up for some of the output that was lost when Josh Reynolds, a receiver, left in free agency.
Robert Woods the ‘Odd Man Out’
Barnwell highlighted that the Texans have a very deep wide receiver corps, with Stefon Diggs joining Nico Collins and Tank Dell, plus the talented John Metchie, who is expected to return to full health after missing his rookie season due to a leukemia diagnosis and starting slow last year.
He noted that the strong additions to the wide receiver group might render Robert Woods expendable, especially given his hefty contract.
“The odd man out is likely going to be Woods, who doesn’t play much on special teams and has a $6.3 million base salary this year,” Barnwell wrote. “Only $1.3 million of that figure is guaranteed, but the Texans likely will release Woods if he doesn’t take a pay cut for the remaining amount or retire.”
Barnwell speculated that the Lions could be a potential trade partner, offering the Texans salary cap relief and a mid-round draft pick swap in exchange for Woods.
Woods, an 11-year veteran who began his career with the Buffalo Bills in 2013, recorded 40 receptions for 426 yards and one touchdown last season.
Lions Have Room in Receiver Room
As ESPN’s Eric Woodyard noted, the Lions have an opening for the No. 3 receiver spot following Josh Reynolds’ departure in free agency. Last season, Reynolds was a reliable third option, leveraging his chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff from their time together on the Los Angeles Rams, and making 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns.
“Although the Lions have [Amon-Ra] St. Brown, an All-Pro, and Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta returning, there’s an opportunity for someone to step into a big role,” Woodyard wrote. “Third-year receiver Jameson Williams will certainly be in the mix, along with Donovan Peoples-Jones and Antoine Green. Former Illinois receiver Isaiah Williams, signed as an undrafted free agent, could also be a steal.”
The Lions made a significant move to secure the top of their wide receiver lineup this offseason. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Lions and St. Brown agreed to a four-year contract extension worth over $120 million, including $77 million in guaranteed money.
After signing the deal, St. Brown praised the organization for taking care of their players.
“If you play well and you’re a great teammate and everything, you’re going to get rewarded,” St. Brown told reporters. “The Lions have shown that. No one can say anything that the Lions don’t pay their players. They’ve clearly shown that they are going to reward you with good play.”