The Lions traded Golden Tate yesterday. It's a three-wide receiver offense that doesn't throw to its tight ends much, so some possibility a third wide receiver comes out of nowhere to put up good numbers. But best not to get too excited about the presumed replacement, TJ Jones.
For one thing, it's at least possible that Jones won't get all the snaps in that No. 3 spot. This article notes that the team is high on undrafted Brandon Powell as the slot receiver heir apparent to Tate. That's not certain (Powell has only been active for one game this season), but it's possible. Maybe Jones gets first crack at the job, or maybe he and Powell share the role.
The other thing to keep in mind is that Jones didn't put up big numbers in six games as the team's No. 3 receiver a year ago (when Kenny Golladay was hurt). Here are those numbers.
| TJ JONES AS TOP 3 WR, 2017 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Opp. | No | Yds | TD |
| Atl. | 3 | 63 | 0 |
| Minn. | 3 | 33 | 0 |
| Car. | 2 | 12 | 0 |
| N.O. | 3 | 33 | 0 |
| Pitt. | 4 | 88 | 0 |
| G.B. | 2 | 29 | 0 |
Those in fantasy leagues can't necessarily wait to see how things play out. If you have the roster room, adding Jones makes some sense, just in case he emerges as a productive No. 3.
In dynasty leagues, though, Powell might be the better pickup. Maybe it won't happen right away, but he could be one of the team's top 3 wideouts as soon as next year -- if not before.
For now, I think the main beneficiaries are Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay. Most likely Matthew Stafford will lean on those guys a lot more. Might be more passes to Kerryon Johnson and (when healthy) Theo Riddick too.
--Andy Richardson