Tag: Kenny Golladay

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The Detroit Lions are moving on from wide receiver Kenny Golladay

It has been a source of constant conversation in Detroit. Fans and media all wondered aloud, if the Detroit Lions would apply the franchise tag to star wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Last week new Lions general manager Brad Holmes said “you’ll know very soon what out intentions are.” Now we do. The Detroit Lions are moving on from Golladay.

What was already going to be a lengthy rebuild could most likely be sited for the Detroit Lions choice to not tender the franchise tag to Kenny Golladay. At 27 years old, Golladay would be 30-31 by the time the Lions are ready to contend for division titles again.

DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 27: A Detroit Lions flag bearer runs onto the field with the Lions logo flag before the start of a regular season game between the New York Giants and the Detroit Lions on October 27, 2019 at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

By not tendering the franchise tag it saves the Lions roughly $19 million for next season. That money can be spread out between other players to help the team. It has been reported that Golladay turned down a new contract that would have paid him $20 million per-season.

What was already evident became more so, when the news broke about the Lions plans. This is not only going to take time to reshape the roster, but now it seems as though there will be next to no hold-overs from the Bob Quinn era of Lions football. At least at the skilled position.

In my opinion this is the right move for the Detroit Lions. A rebuilding team should not pay one player $19 or so million, when there are holes up and down the roster that need to be fixed or at least patched until core players can be identified and drafted.

Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions

For Kenny Golladay, it gives him the chance to play elsewhere and teams will line up for his services. Golladay should not be out of work long. The question is should the Lions have placed the franchise tag on Golladay with the intention of trading him?

That is a knee jerk reaction. First a team interested in him would have to agree to take a one year deal at $19 million, while teams may prefer a longer contract and not pay a rather hefty one season lumpsum up front.

As for the Detroit Lions, it is refreshing to see a general manger with a plan of how he wants to construct his team. Through the draft.

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The Detroit Lions should not resign Kenny Golladay

Its seems probable at this moment Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has played his last game in a Lions uniform. With a Brad Homes hired as the new general manager it seems like a total or near total rebuild is on the horizon. That is part of the reason the Lions should not resign wide receiver Kenny Golladay. Seriously.

Kenny Golladay is a very good receiver. Even though he fails to get a lot of separation from defensive backs which is an issue. The lack of separation gives way to Golladay having to make seemingly great catches.

Making catches like this look amazing! Until you realize Golladay did not get separation and actually takes a pretty hard hit. The point is Golladay was limited to five games this season, in part because he takes big hits because of the lack of separation.

The going rate for a good wide receiver in free agency is $19 million. For the Detroit Lions looking at, at the very least a massive retooling of the current failed roster left over from recently fired Lions GM Bob Quinn, that $19 million can be invested in bigger needs. Such as the defense. A unit that finished dead last in the NFL.

DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions congratulates teammate Kenny Golladay #19 after he caught a touchdown pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Ford Field on October 7, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

There will be very good free agents in this years wide receiver pool. Cheaper more effective players. It is being reported all over the place the Lions are locked into former Lions tight end current New Orleans Saints tight ends coach/ assistant head coach Dan Campbell for the head coaching opening.

With a new GM and head coach, it is very possible they will want to put their own stamp on the franchise moving forward. A new quarterback and receivers could be in order.

From a fans point of view at first glance losing Kenny Golladay would sting. From a football stand point, it really would not be all that bad. ASs I mentioned better, cheaper wide receivers will be hitting the open market soon.

 

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The Detroit Lions lockup two players to contract extensions

DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 15: Kenny Golladay #19 of the Detroit Lions celebrates a reception during the fourth quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Ford Field on September 15, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit defeated Los Angeles 10-13. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions made two investments. One is a done deal, the other could come as early as today. Yesterday the Lions signed left tackle Taylor Decker to a four year deal that is valued at $85 million with $37.5 million in guarantees. Now comes word wide receiver Kenny Golladay is close to signing an extension as well.

Taylor Decker, who was a first round draft pick for the Detroit Lions in 2016, has appeared in 55 games over four seasons with the Lions. Decker’s play has become more consistent since entering the NFL, has earned the pay raise. Decker is also a vocal leader for the Lions football team.

A third round draft pick out of Northern Illinois in 2017, Kenny Golladay plays like a first round draft pick. The gifted young receiver has been valuable as a big play weapon for the Lions offense,  Golladay led the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns, ranked third with 18.3 yards per reception and seventh with 1,190 receiving yards in 2019.

Kenny also was tied in league lead with five touchdown’s of a least 25 yards. In early August Golladay made it clear he wants to be in Detroit, “I want to be here, Really, I’m just going to let my agent, and (the) front office take care of that. I’m pretty sure something will get done.” Golladay told reporters.

The ink had barely dried on the Taylor Decker’s contract extension, now reports are Kenny Golladay is about to sign one. Perhaps a joint  announcement will be coming soon. Either way this is good news for the Detroit Lions.

To lockup two players that have proven worth and have both gotten better year in and year out this is the right move for Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn to take.

Both players and teammates will not have this hanging over them and the team when the season kicks off September 15 against the Chicago Bears. So the focus will be on games and game prep.

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Detroit Lions Kenny Golladay leads all NFL receivers in receptions of 20 yards or more

Embed from Getty Images To say this season has been rough for the Detroit Lions, is like saying water is wet. It is plain to see and a fact. Yet the Lions have found some building blocks (more on that in my next entry.) One such block is wide receiver Kenny Golladay.

Be it Freddie Scott, Jeff Chadwick, Herman Moore or Calvin Johnson, the Detroit Lions seem to usually have a very good receiver on the roster. That is the case with Kenny Golladay.

The third year wideout has emerged as one if not the best deep threat in the NFL. This season because of injuries, Golladay has played with three different quarterbacks. Has it slowed him down? NO! Golladay continues to make defenses pay downfield.

This season no wide receiver has more receptions of 20+ yards than Golladay. With 13 games played he has 19 catches of 20+ yards. One other important note, Golladay has the highest percentage of receptions at 35.8%. Kenny is ahead of the Chargers Mike Williams.

Perhaps the most interesting fact in this, is Golladay ranks near the bottom of all receivers in average separation per route run. Defenders blanket him because they know Golladay is the man who is being targeted downfield.

Golladay is a former third round draft pick who is about to post a second straight 1,000 yard season. Golladay, said he wants to sign an extension and remain in Detroit. His current contract runs through next season.

“I definitely feel like I’ve done my part,” Golladay told the Detroit media. The question is will Lions general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia be back? Or will a possible new regime come in and need to look at players and contracts?

No matter what happens, any general manager or would-be general manager can see beyond the shadow of a doubt, Kenny Golladay is the real deal. He is worthy of a new contract. I suspect he will get one.

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Detroit Lions Kenny Golladay ready to breakout

Embed from Getty Images Kenny Golladay, is fresh off a 1,000 yard season and entering his third in the NFL. Golladay, a third-round pick in 2017 out of Northern Illinois is ready to take his game to the next level and the Detroit Lions offense will only benefit from it.

In the 2018-19 NFL season Kenny Golladay had one of the quietest 1,000-yard receiving seasons last year. Mostly because the Detroit Lions were learning a new coaching system. Golladay has shown improvement each of his seasons in Detroit.

Golladay sure seems like he is quarterback  Matthew Stafford’s favorite target. Now, headed into his third pro season as the team’s top wideout, and it would not be a stretch to suggest Kenny could   reach 1,200-1,300 receiving yards this season.

Slowly but surely  Golladay has learned to use his size and ability to create separation on defensive backs. Being one of the more dangerous wide receivers Golladay will certainly get more opportunity to flash his skills.

Last season Detroit began to give Kenny Golladay more plays. He delivered. Now it looks as though the Detroit Lions are prepared to make him the centerpiece of the offense. Which is a good thing.

The Lions would like to run the ball. Successful running games open up the passing game. With Marvin Jones Jr and Golladay on the outside, Golladay should be one on one more often. Which will lead to big plays for the Lions offense.

Kenny Golladay, is one of the top young players in the NFL. This season he is ready to take the next step. Odds are he will.

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Detroit Lions: player to watch, Kenny Golladay

Embed from Getty Images The Detroit Lions, have a wide receiver problem. They have a bunch of good ones. So maybe problem is a good thing as it creates competition and forces already good players to ramp it up a notch.

Kenny Golladay, is electrifying. He is the fastest of the Detroit Lions, wide receivers. Kenny, had what may would call a typical rookie NFL season. Looked great one week. Looked not so great the next week.

There is no reason for concern. The former Northern Illinois Husky, star is my Detroit Lions player to watch in 2018-19. Not too mention he has all the tools to be a great player.

The Detroit Lions, have Golden Tate and Marvin Jones jr,  who are very good receivers. Detroit, has missed and lacked that big threat downfield when Calvin Johnson retired.

Kenny Golladay, can do that. He can be Calvin Johnson-like. He is 6′ 4″ runs the 40 in 4.50. Once he finds consistency Golladay, is set for take off. Adding to the weapons quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the Lions have on offense.

Kenny Golladay, can be the guy to take his game and the Lions, offense to the next level. As he becomes more and more reliable the Detroit offense will open up even more. Golladay’s game will open spots for the other receivers and tight ends. Not to mention open running lanes for running backs.

It is not all up to one player. But, if certain players step it up the team or unit of a team becomes better balanced. That will happen as Golladay, matures into the player NFL experts say he will be.

I believe Kenny Golladay will take that next step this coming season. And Lions, fans will enjoy watching his growth as will Kenny’s teammates.