Detroit has picked up some veteran depth at wide receiver.
Chaz Schilens, a five-year veteran who has previously played for the Raiders and Jets, signed a one-year contract with the Lions today.
A seventh-round pick of the Raiders in 2008, Schilens showed some promise early in his career, becoming a starter as a rookie and bouncing back from a training-camp injury in his second season to start the final eight games of the year. But injuries plagued him, he was less involved in the Raiders’ offense in 2010, and after 2011 he left for the Jets.
In New York last season, Schilens played 15 games, starting six and catching 28 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns. Schilens also played a lot of special teams with the Jets, and the Lions have been looking to improve their special teams, so that may have contributed to Detroit’s interest in him.
The Lions have the NFL’s top receiver, Calvin Johnson, but they have been seeking to add depth at the position beyond Megatron. The incumbent No. 2 and No. 3 receivers, Nate Burleson and Ryan Broyles, are both coming off season-ending injuries.