NFL free agency update: Luke Willson signs with Lions
By Staff
The Detroit Lions allowed Eric Ebron to walk a few days ago, and now they are replacing his roster spot with the signing of Luke Willson.
On Wednesday, the Detroit Lions made their offense a bit better, signing veteran tight end Luke Willson to a one-year deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The 6-foot-5, 252-pounder has been more of a blocker throughout his career, most recently taking a secondary role to Jimmy Graham with the Seattle Seahawks.
Willson, 28, should help Detroit in the run game thanks to his aforementioned skill set. The Lions could certainly use the support in that department, with only one 1,000-yard season from a running back in the Matthew Stafford era.
While Willson won’t be able to provide much for Stafford down the field, but that’s not a problem in Detroit. The Lions already have Golden Tate and Marvin Jones on the outside with Kenny Golladay providing a nice high-upside target.
Contract details
Willson was signed to a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. The Lions aren’t locking themselves into a long-term contract, keeping cap flexibility going into 2019.
National reaction
.@LWillson_82 will sign with another team....could happen as early as tomorrow. I'll let him tell you where that will be. I for one will miss him. Was just a great guy to have in the locker room. Will always be one of my favorites. Good luck my man, and thanks for all of it
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) March 21, 2018
— Luke Willson (@LWillson_82) March 21, 2018
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Grade
There’s nothing wrong with the signing, but it’s also not a move to get overly excited about. The Lions should be getting a player who has shown some talent in the red zone and the willingness to block. If Willson can help open up some holes in the run game, the $2.5 million being paid to Willson will have been worth it.
Grade: B