Quick Read: Lions sign veteran WR Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Information sourced from: RAS, Pro Football Reference
Just when we think Brad Holmes is done shaking the free agent tree, he changes things up! The Lions have signed veteran receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. Contract terms are not readily apparent, but it is likely safe to say he will bring close to veterans minimum with little to no guaranteed money.
Wilson was drafted 208th in round 6 of the 2018 NFL Draft. His athletics are solid but not elite, with his hughes marks coming with a borderline elite vertical jump. Wilson will be 31 for the 2026 NFL season making him markedly one of the oldest veterans on the Lions. Wilson most recently from Miami, and has history in New Orleans in 2024, and Dallas from 2019 through 2021. During his time in the league he has amassed 126 catches for 1524 yards, an average of 12.1 yards per reception. He had a relative down year last year, playing in only 10 games, and only logging 5 receptions for 44 yards.
Where does Wilson stack on the Lions depth chart? I would say he comes in close to the bottom (if not dead last) with the opportunity to work his way up. He reminds me a lot of the Allen Robinson signing in 2024. In my opinion he is here to be a veteran presence in the receiver room, and push Jackson Meeks and Dominic Lovett. He also (as with Robinson) could find himself as a practice squad stash who comes up when/if the Lions are dealing with a short term injury to one of their other receivers.
While the Wilson signing may not move the needle, it comes with little downside. We know how Jared Goff liked veteran Tim Patrick, perhaps a similar type of relationship could bloom. We simply have to wait and see.