Report: Kenny Golladay will not receive Lions franchise tag, will become free agent

The Detroit Lions will not use their franchise tag designation on wide receiver Kenny Golladay, according to Tom Pelissero. Barring a deal in the next week, that means the stand-out pass catcher will hit free agency and a chance for a sizable pay day. It’s safe to say much of the league will be interested in what Golladay could do for their receiver corps.

Golladay closed out his rookie contract this past year in an injury-plagued season. He dealt with a hamstring injury to open the season, and then closed the season with a hip injury that cost him the final two months. He finished the season with 20 receptions for 338 yards and two touchdowns. This came after a career year in 2019 when he caught 65 passes for 1,190 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Adam Schefter reported on Monday that Golladay turned down a deal that would have paid him at least $18 million per year. If the Lions had used the franchise tag on Golladay, it would have paid $16,430,000 for the season.

The Lions made a big move this offseason when they traded Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for Jared Goff and draft picks. Marvin Jones Jr. and Danny Amendola are both also scheduled to hit free agency, which would mean the team could be looking to replace its top three wide receivers this offseason.