18 Comments
User's avatar
Closet Rebel's avatar

Use one of those late round picks to grab a fast shifty return specialist to replace him. Getting rid of Raymond will force Goff to trust Teslaa more in the passing game.

Rich Nemesi's avatar

Seems like he executed well whenever his number was called.

Jordan D's avatar

His role had progressively dwindled to the point he seemed entirely replaceable to me by year-end. We certainly won't forget his many contributions both on and off the field as part of this franchise's turnaround, but things ran their natural course. Ever onward!

Deacon's avatar

Teslaa is the future so Leif is a return man only here. I expect they will attack the need for a kick returner later in the draft. Punt returns aren’t an issue they really need kick return man to take advantage of the kickoff rules

Alex's avatar

I’m a big fan of TK and hope he gets his shot this year.

Jordan D's avatar

He was a solid returner when given the opportunity last year, dare I say better than Lif.

H E Pennypacker's avatar

I'm starting to believe that you're in the room with Brad, Justin. Another great call by you.

Thomas Keating's avatar

Justin really does his homework. Outstanding.

Jim's avatar

Lions are turning the page. No disrespect to the guys who left, but they were a last place team last year. time to bring in some guys who are mostly unknown, hungry, and eager to compete.

newmanian's avatar

Are you kidding me? They couldn't even keep Kalif- one of the souls of that team?

Man...a very good and underrated receiver. A terrific punt/kick return man. Chicago/Ben Johnson will make sure he sees touches.

I'm just looking at lists of empty spaces on the Lions roster. I understand that some- or one- contract rearranging will be taking place. But we'll be late to the party by the time the Lions make a move.

I dunno. I want to believe that Brad Holmes has this thing wired. But right now, to me, this looks like someone who got painted into a corner by some injuries and by some of his own decisions.

Paul Marquardt's avatar

This isn't an empty space. He's a good player and a better guy, and I'm glad he's getting paid, but he's not needed as a WR, we have OK return options on the roster (TK, Vaki, Lovett, maybe Stuard with an offseason), and return specialists are a low-cost draft target.

newmanian's avatar

TK is a practice squad guy with a lot of heart. Vaki is a rumor. He's been injured more than available. Lovett is also a rumor. Not been seen yet. And Stuard was anything other than impressive returning kicks, which is why Raymond was back doing it late in the season. None of the guys you mentioned are starters on a top tier team. Those are fill-in players. Lovett may turn out to be a decent receiver. But one season in, we know nothing.

Paul Marquardt's avatar

Leaf was not Devin Hester or Desmond Howard. He just wasn't. And if he wasn't, then that role can be filled with less difficulty than a lot of others. "Sign all the guys!" is not a strategy.

Kevin's avatar

No need to spill tears over a WR5

newmanian's avatar

He was a terrific team player. A tough small receiver who always made the play for us when called on. Unlike another higher paid #2 receiver.

And, he was our only effective return man.

That's not nothing. You can label him a #5 receiver, but he always made the plays when called on.

H E Pennypacker's avatar

He was a fine player, but look at the bright side: Now we can find someone who doesn't keep catching the ball with one foot in the end zone. KR drove me kinda crazy last year.

Jeff Berry's avatar

Anyone but the Bears 😩

Patrick M's avatar

I’ll miss you, Lief. 💔