The Detroit Lions have approached free agency cautiously in its early weeks. Their biggest move so far has been signing D.J. Reed to a contract worth $16 million per year. This has left them among the four NFL teams with more than $40 million in available cap space for 2025.
Having this cap space could allow them to make key additions later in free agency. One such move might involve a wide receiver who has earned six Pro Bowl selections in his career.
In an article analyzing potential destinations for top remaining free agents, Pro Football and Sports Network’s Kyle Soppe identified the Lions as a possible fit for former Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen.
During the NFL owners meeting, Dan Campbell mentioned his desire to bring in younger competition at wide receiver. Adding Allen wouldn’t quite fit that strategy.
He turns 33 later this month and is coming off a somewhat underwhelming season, catching just 70 passes for 744 yards in 2024. This was a significant decline from his 2023 performance, where he recorded 108 receptions for 1,243 yards in just 13 games.
Some of this drop in production can be attributed to rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ struggles, but Allen’s age remains a concern.
However, he would still be an upgrade over Tim Patrick and could provide the NFL’s top offense from 2024 with another strong receiving option in 2025.
This move would be a luxury for Detroit and seems unlikely given GM Brad Holmes’ spending strategy. But if the Lions are willing to be aggressive in free agency, Allen could be an intriguing addition.