According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Detroit Lions released veteran wide receiver Breshad Perriman. This news has a ripple effect on Perriman’s fantasy football outlook and Detroit’s offense. Let’s discuss the fallout of the news and possible landing spots for Perriman.
The timeline of Breshad Perriman’s 2021 thus far
The Lions signed Perriman during free agency to replace the departed Kenny Golladay. The former draft bust was a disappointment with the Jets last season, catching 30 passes for 505 receiving yards in an injury-riddled campaign. He signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract with Detroit that included $2 million guaranteed. Perriman entered training camp as the team’s assumed No. 2 receiver opposite Tyrell Williams.
A missed opportunity is a lost opportunity
Unfortunately, Perriman was a colossal disaster during training camp and the preseason. A hip injury resulted in him missing a few weeks. This allowed fellow free-agent signing WR Kalif Raymond, who had a solid camp, to make significant headway on the No. 2 receiver role.
The final nail in Perriman’s coffin was his atrocious performance in the Lions’ preseason finale against the Colts. He finished with only 1 reception and 2 drops on catchable passes. The Lions will absorb $2 million in dead cap room after releasing Perriman.
Next steps for the Lions
Detroit will move forward with receivers Williams, Raymond, rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Quintez Cephus. The release of Perriman is an indicator that all of these receivers will make the Lions’ final 53-man roster.
Let’s discuss the best landing spots for Perriman and how his departure impacts the Lions offensively.
Potential landing spots for Perriman
As Sun Tzu mentioned, “In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” There are a lot of potential landing spots that could be viewed as an upgrade for Perriman. The Saints, Chiefs, Falcons, Seahawks, Packers, Rams, Vikings, and Bears are all viable options.
All of these teams have a high number of vacated targets and receiving air yards that Perriman could inherit. Still, his play must have been dreadful if he could not beat out some of the other receivers on Detroit’s roster. How does his departure affect the team?
How his exit impacts the Lions
New head coach Dan Campbell and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn are looking to revitalize a Lions offense devoid of weapons. Detroit has a new quarterback in Jared Goff, and WRs Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones left the Motor City in free agency.
Golladay accumulated 266 targets and 3,639 receiving air yards in 36 games since 2018. Jones stockpiled 269 targets and 3,553 receiving air yards in 38 games over the same time frame. Goff was acquired in one of the biggest trades in franchise history that resulted in Matthew Stafford being sent to the Rams.
Tyrell Williams has a history with Lynn, going back to their time with the Chargers. He amassed 84 receptions, 1,381 receiving yards, and 9 touchdowns from 2017 to 2018 under Lynn. Williams should see a steady dose of targets along with tight end T.J. Hockenson.
Goff has thrived on short and intermediate passes during his career. Rookie Amon-Ra St. Brown benefits the most due to this, who has been touted all summer as Goff’s version of Cooper Kupp in the Lions’ offense. The rookie out of USC had 178 receptions for 2,270 yards and 16 TDs in his career, ranking 11th on USC’s career receptions list.
Hockenson is a breakout tight end in 2021, and for good reason. Williams has been one of my favorite sleepers at the receiver position in the double-digit rounds. Additionally, St. Brown is someone you shouldn’t hesitate to acquire late in your drafts. He has the potential to finish 2021 as the most productive receiver in Detroit.