The Detroit Lions have a strong roster heading into the 2024 season, but they’re looking to add another wide receiver.
Currently, the Lions have a solid group of receivers with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Kalif Raymond. However, they aim to keep their offense sharp, which is why they’re considering a former UFL standout.
The Cincinnati Bengals recently waived wide receiver Hakeem Butler, along with 10 other players, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Butler could be exactly what Detroit needs.
Jeremy Reisman of Pride of Detroit expressed excitement about Butler’s availability on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting a June 2024 article where he discussed Butler’s potential fit with the Lions.
Bengals announced they waived 11 players:
–WR Hakeem Butler
–HB Noah Cain
–OT Jackson Carman
–DE Andre Carter
–LB Aaron Casey
–S Michael Dowell
–CB Allan George
–WR Kwamie Lassiter II
–QB Rocky Lombardi
–G Eric Miller
–DT Joshua Pryor— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2024
WR Hakeem Butler to the Lions?
Hakeem Butler, you say????https://t.co/9Tn3mi1dwS https://t.co/m9NzAvu78q
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) August 23, 2024
In the article, Reisman noted that Butler was a standout in the XFL during the 2023 season, leading the league in receiving touchdowns (eight) and finishing second in yardage (599) in just eight games. He also mentioned that Butler was named Offensive Player of the Year in the UFL in 2024, with 45 receptions for 652 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games.
Reisman added that the XFL and UFL provided Butler with opportunities to develop his skills in game situations. While there are still concerns about his ability to separate from defenders, Reisman believes Butler deserves another shot in the NFL, and the Lions would be a great fit for him. In Detroit, Butler would find both opportunity and a strong coaching staff to help further develop his game.
Reisman also described Butler as a tall, speedy receiver who could provide the Lions with a weapon for contested catches.
Butler was originally selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Cardinals. He missed his first season due to a broken hand and was cut before playing a game. In 2020, the Philadelphia Eagles brought him on as a tight end, but after two games, he was released and eventually moved to the CFL. Butler also spent the 2023 spring and summer with the Steelers.
The Detroit Lions’ Current Receivers
In an August 20 meeting with reporters, Dan Campbell talked about the Lions’ current trio of receivers and clarified that Raymond is currently Detroit’s third option, behind St. Brown and Williams.
“He’s the third receiver right now,” Campbell said about Raymond, as reported by the New York Times. “We’ve always valued Leaf as a returner and recognize that he brings a unique skill set to the receiver role. He has some gadgetry, quickness underneath, and excels as a returner. Ideally, we’d like to play him 20 to 25 snaps a game to maximize both roles. We’d prefer not to play him 65 snaps, but we will if necessary.” Campbell continued, “So yeah, he’s the third receiver right now, and that’s okay. But it would be great if someone else could step up, as it would strengthen the group and make everyone a bit more effective, that’s all.”
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