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The Detroit Lions have arguably the NFL‘s best wide receiver in Calvin Johnson, and Golden Tate became a worthy second option in 2014 (99 receptions for 1,331 yards). But beyond that they have a bunch of questionable options battling for roster spots and roles, and the Lions are clearly still looking to upgrade their wide receiver depth.
The Lions are hosting two wide receivers on Tuesday, with Robert Meachem and Brad Smith still looking to latch on somewhere. Smith is essentially just a kick returner and special teams contributor, which shouldn’t be totally disregarded, but Meachem looks like a better fit for Detroit overall.
Joe Lombardi is entering his second season as Detroit’s offensive coordinator. Prior to that he was with the New Orleans Saints from 2007-2013, as an offensive assistant and then quarterbacks coach, which overlapped with Meachem’s time with the team (2008-2011, 2013-2014).
Meachem only has 37 receptions over the last three seasons, including just seven receptions for 114 yards over 11 games with the Saints last season. Injuries have been a big factor in his decline, but Meachem’s production from 2009-2011 (129 receptions and 20 touchdowns, 15.3 yards per catch) was notable and he could thrive in a similar role with Detroit.
The key for Meachem is clearly health, and he’ll have to show something during Tuesday’s workout to put himself back on the map. But adding the former first-round pick is a no-lose proposition for the Lions all things considered, if only to add competition through the remainder of the offseason and presumably into training camp.
The situation in Detroit looks like a good opportunity for Meachem to revive his career, due in part to familiarity with Lombardi and a presumed transferable scheme fit.
Even though his best seasons have become a distant memory at this point, a healthy Meachem can be a suitable No. 3 wide receiver for the Lions and he is still a more proven option than anyone else they have in that mix.
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
