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Detroit Lions free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

By Russell S. Baxter

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (10) makes a catch and run during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on November 25, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: New York Jets wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (10) makes a catch and run during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on November 25, 2018 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 25: Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) reacts after making a 16 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens on November 25, 2018, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 25: Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) reacts after making a 16 yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens on November 25, 2018, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. TE Jared Cook (Oakland Raiders)

If you are general manager Bob Quinn and the Lions’ management, it had to be somewhat frustrating seeing one of the franchise’s recent disappointing first-round picks come up big for another team. That was certainly the case when it came to tight end Eric Ebron, who was cut loose by Detroit last offseason and latched on with the Indianapolis Colts.

In four seasons in the Motor City, the 10th overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft played in 56 regular-season games and totaled 186 catches for 2,070 yards and 11 scores. In his first season with Andrew Luck and the Colts, he pulled down 66 passes for 750 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also ran for two yards for a score on his way to being named to the Pro Bowl.

Last offseason, Quinn signed players such as Luke Willson and Levine Toilolo but neither proved to be the solution. The former caught only 13 passes for 87 yards. The latter managed 21 receptions for 263 yards and one score. To be fair, quarterback Matthew Stafford could do a better job targeting his tight ends. And he would be wise not to ignore 10-year pro Jared Cook if the Lions are fortunate enough to secure his services. In his second season with the Oakland Raiders, he totaled career-highs in catches (68), receiving yards (896) and TD grabs (6) on his way to being named to his first Pro Bowl.

While it would make sense for the Silver and Black to retain his services, it’s hard to tell what that organization has planned in 2019 and he may become very available.

Next: Dante Fowler, Jr.

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