Detroit Lions wide receiver Kenny Golladay could be a week away from facing the free agency. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, Lions do not plan to use the franchise brand on the former Pro Bowler, which means that if Detroit cannot reach an agreement with Golladay, he will be an unrestricted free agent on March 17, the start of the league’s new year.
The reports suggest that Golladay declined a deal worth “about $ 18, $ 19 million a year” last season, but it was never clear how far the negotiations have progressed with the new Lions regime. If they want to sign Golladay for a long term, they still have a week before other teams can start negotiating with him, but there is no indication that negotiations are underway and current Lions general manager Brad Holmes is silent. about the situation.
“Kenny is first in our minds to ensure that we make the best possible decision not only for Lions, but also for Kenny,” said Holmes last week. “I would like to have a more direct response to say exactly what we are going to do, but out of respect for the process, I will keep this in-house.”
A former Lions pick in the third round of the draft, Golladay has accumulated 3,068 yards and 21 touchdowns in four seasons in Detroit. He made his first and only Pro Bowl in 2019 after 1,000-yard consecutive seasons and led the NFL in receiving touchdowns (11) that year.
If Lions really move from Golladay, they will have a lot of work to do as a wide receiver. Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola also face the free agency next week, and there is no expectation of a return for both. Lions signed Tyrell Williams wide receiver contract official on tuesday.