After WR’s abrupt departure, the Lions are considering bringing back a multi-sport star.
After the unexpected departure of veteran wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., the Detroit Lions may be seeking to bring back a familiar face.
Jones missed Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a personal situation, and the two sides agreed to release Jones this week. With a void in their receiving corps, the Lions are considering re-signing receiver and multi-sport standout Tom Kennedy for a second stint with the team.
A Pioneering Athlete Pays a Visit
The Lions held a workout with Kennedy on October 25, according to Boston Globe reporter Ben Volin, though it remained unclear whether the team intended to sign him.
According to ESPN, Kennedy was recruited to play both lacrosse and football at Bryant University. He was drafted in the third round by the Major League Lacrosse’s Boston Cannons in 2018, and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Lions in 2019. As a result, he was the first athlete to play in both a professional lacrosse league and the NFL.
Kennedy spent the following three seasons with Detroit, where he caught 14 passes for 195 yards. This year, he returned to training camp, but his stay was cut short due to an arm injury. According to CBS Sports, the Lions dismissed Kennedy in August as part of an injury settlement, but he is now eligible to return to the team if they chose to re-sign him.
Kennedy spent the following three seasons with Detroit, where he caught 14 passes for 195 yards. This year, he returned to training camp, but his stay was cut short due to an arm injury. According to CBS Sports, the Lions dismissed Kennedy in August as part of an injury settlement, but he is now eligible to return to the team if they chose to re-sign him.
“I just want to say that I have so much love and respect for the Ford Family, the city of Detroit, my teammates and coaches,” Jones said in a statement. “In a nutshell, I’m leaving the team to attend to personal family matters.” Although it was not an easy decision, I cannot be the person/player that this team requires while still caring for my family from afar.”
The Lions’ receiving corps has changed in recent weeks, with second-year receiver Jameson Williams returning earlier than planned. He was originally punished for six games for breaking the league’s gambling regulations, but the NFL reduced his term to four games as part of a bigger revamp of gambling punishments.
Williams’ influence has been limited in his return, with four catches for 55 yards and a touchdown but struggles at times. Williams had no receptions on three targets in the Ravens’ loss on Sunday, including two massive drops late in the fourth quarter.
According to Russell Brown of USA Today’s LionsWire, the inconsistent performances have sparked concerns about Williams and his long-term place in the Lions’ offense.
“Through three games this season, there has been flashes from Williams,” Brown stated in an email. “He’s demonstrated his speed and deep threat ability.” The consistency is absent, and it appears like the rapport with Jared Goff isn’t the same as it is with the team’s other receivers. Maybe with more time, but as I already stated, we’ve been patient. We’ll be patient, but the question for Jameson Williams and the Lions is straightforward. “How long will it be?”
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