Malik Jefferson, a seasoned linebacker, is back available for purchase.

Jefferson is no longer a restricted free agent after the Lions placed him on injured reserve earlier this week. On Friday afternoon, the Lions declared Jefferson free.

After signing a contract with the Lions in July, Jefferson played in the preseason for two tackles. After being selected in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Jefferson spent three games with the Cowboys the previous season. He has also participated in games with the Colts, Chargers, Browns, and Bengals.

During the course of all seven stops, Jefferson has made 38 appearances, collected 19 tackles, and spent nearly all of his time on special teams.

For WR assistance, the Lions may sign a UFL standout.

As the 2024 season approaches, the Detroit Lions have a fairly strong squad, but they are still looking for a receiver.

Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, and Amon-Ra St. Brown make comprise Detroit’s current strong receiving group. However, they want to have the sharpest offensive line possible, and for that reason, a former UFL great is useful.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cincinnati Bengals have cut wide receiver Hakeem Butler along with ten other players. Butler might be precisely what Detroit needs.

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

Hawks WR Hakeem Butler on a trade?

Hakeem Butler, you say????https://t.co/9Tn3mi1dwS https://t.co/m9NzAvu78q

— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) August 23, 2024

Pride of Detroit’s Jeremy Reisman celebrated Butler’s availability on X, formerly Twitter. “Hakeem Butler, you say?” he wrote on social media, sharing a story he wrote about Butler and how Detroit would be a good fit for him from June 2024.

Reisman reports that in just eight games during the 2023 season, Butler “led the league in receiving touchdowns (eight) and finished second in yardage (599).” Butler was a standout in the XFL. Then, Reisman mentions that Butler “was named Offensive Player of the Year after catching 45 passes for 652 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games” during his 2024 UFL stint.

“The XFL and UFL have given Butler an opportunity to actually develop his skills in game situations,” Reisman continued. The Lions would be a fantastic spot for this guy to land, even though there may still be valid doubts about his ability to separate. It’s obvious that this guy deserves another opportunity to play in the NFL. He would have plenty of chance and a capable coaching staff in Detroit to help him advance his game.

“A tall, speedy receiver who would give the Lions a weapon who can haul in contested catches,” Reisman added of Butler.

The Cardinals chose Butler in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He was cut before he played for the Cardinals and missed his first season because of a broken hand. Butler was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 as a tight end. He was released after two games and signed with the CFL. Butler played with the Steelers in the spring and summer of 2023 as well.

The Current Receivers for the Detroit Lions
In a meeting with reporters on August 20, Dan Campbell talked about the three receivers the Lions now have. Regarding Raymond, he made it obvious that he is Detroit’s third receiver, behind Williams and St. Brown.

According to Campbell, Raymond is currently a receiver three (New York Times). “Our belief has always been that Leaf is a fantastic returner who offers a unique set of skills to the receiving position. He’s returner, has some under-the-knee agility, and a little gadgetry. You’d want to (play him) 20 plays a game, 25 plays a game, to maximize both, guy. Thus, although we would prefer not to play him 65 plays in a game, we will if necessary.

“So yeah, he’s receiver three right now and that’s fine,” Campbell continued. However, that’s the reason it would be good to see someone stand up because, in my opinion, it simply makes everyone in the room a bit more powerful.