Players come and go, it’s a part of the game. There will be starters in need of replacement after this season, and we look at potential replacements for these Lions packing their bags.

WR Danny Amendola

Danny Amendola shined in Game 1 before disappearing in Game 2. He’s on a 1 year contract and has become a journeyman in the league. I don’t see him being resigned, but there’s also no current replacement on the bench. There’s 0% chance the Lions go after a slot receiver in the first round, mainly because of the impact of a Slot WR in the league, so we went outside the first round for this pick. Tylan Wallace is a superstar receiver in college football, leading the NCAA in receiving yards at Oklahoma St. His 6’0, 185 lb frame doesn’t offer him much first round help, however. Look for the Lions to give him a good hard look, and try to take advantage of his ridiculous YAC ability.

LB Christian Jones

Christian Jones has been quiet his entire tenure for Detroit. That isn’t a bad thing. Sometimes not being mentioned is the best way to be mentioned. He’s a supremely smart player who has always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. This was extremely prevalent this week when he found 2 sacks in a game where the DLine creates no pressure. The rise of Tavai makes this interesting, one way or the other. Jones is my strongest candidate on this list to stay with the team, as he should be cheap and adds depth. Dylan Moses is a dynamic playmaker coming off an injury who could get some looks here, if he heals from his ACL injury correctly. While I couldn’t see a LB this early due to need, this would be the #1 option.

WR Marvin Jones

It seems like an unlikely occurrence that Marv gets resigned, especially with the emergence of Golladay as a potential star. This opens an interesting thought; with 2 of the 3 WRs on the team moving on, and Fulgham nowhere near ready to start, you have to think an early draft pick will be spent on a receiver in a LOADED class. Henry Ruggs is that man. Jerry Jeudy will be fine before the pick, and Tylan Wallace isn’t a 1st rd caliber receiver, but Ruggs checks off all the boxes.

DE Romeo Okwara

Okwara has over performed the last 2 seasons and is an under appreciated member of the defense. Players with the potential to get sacks tend to do well for themselves on the open market. The Lions will not be able to afford this contract and will need to look towards the draft. Yetur Gross–Matos from Penn State is a tall, athletic Defensive End with major pass-rushing upside. Projected between 10-30 in this upcoming draft, watch for Matos to hear his name around Detroit.