Detroit Lions: Lance Moore a Solid Low-Risk Signing

By Andrew C. Fisher | May 13, 2015

The Detroit Lions have not been complacent on the offensive side of the football so far this spring. Despite a good deal of talent already on the roster, the Lions stayed aggressive with the drafting of running back Ameer Abdullah in the second round of this year’s draft. They followed that selection up by signing veteran wide receiver Lance Moore on Tuesday.

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Most fans probably associate Moore with his days in New Orleans. He played eight seasons for the Saints, but he spent last season in Pittsburgh with Ben Roethlisberger and company. However, he was unhappy with his role and asked for his release back in February.

It’s entirely possible that some fans may have thought that Moore retired, because he hasn’t been heard from much over the past two seasons.

Make no mistake about it, he’s been a good NFL player over the last nine seasons. He was one of Drew Brees‘ favorite targets for years. Although he never put up huge numbers, he did put together several solid seasons. In 2008 he hauled in 10 touchdowns on 928 yards receiving. In 2010 and 2011 he put up eight touchdowns each, and in 2012 he recorded career-highs in receiving yards (1,041) and yards per catch (16.0).

But since 2012 the veteran receiver’s production has fallen off significantly.

“You should take the defense out to dinner. They’re the reason people haven’t noticed you stink this year.”

His decreasing number of targets obviously play a role in his diminished production, but father time is playing a part too. Over the past two seasons he’s scored a total of four touchdowns on 51 receptions.

Moore is set to turn 32 in August and clearly in the waning year(s) of his NFL career. Given that reality, some Lions fans may be wondering why even bother signing him? After all, the Lions do have plenty of young receivers like Ryan Broyles, Jeremy Ross and Corey Fuller who could use the playing time.

So maybe there’s more to this signing than another potential target for Matthew Stafford. Because let’s be honest — Moore is going to be a candidate for a training camp casualty later on this summer.

Maybe Detroit is bringing him aboard to help those young receivers along? And if he happens to find the fountain of youth and regain his form from three years ago, then it’s just a bonus.

Beyond veteran leadership, there is a connection to the Saints at play as well. Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi spent seven years in New Orleans as both an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach. Lombardi’s familiarity with Moore, and at the same time Moore’s familiarity with the Lions’ type of offensive system, definitely factor in as well.

Overall, this signing is yet another case of low-risk/high-reward in the NFL. Moore has signed on for just one season, likely for little guaranteed money (terms still unavailable), and the Lions really have nothing to lose by having him aboard.

It’s a good sign that he was unhappy with his role in Pittsburgh because it means he still wants to play. He’s not just hanging around the league for the paychecks, he seems to really want to contribute to a winning team. He’ll no doubt get a chance this offseason, but it won’t be the least bit surprising to see him cut in August.

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