The Detroit Lions are the first NFC North team to act in the shadow of the NFL's trading deadline, which has been extended to Thursday afternoon because of Hurricane Sandy. Their acquisition of Jacksonville receiver Mike Thomas restores their depth, at least, in the wake of Nate Burleson's season-ending leg injury.
Thomas could provide an option to Ryan Broyles in the slot; he caught 158 passes in three seasons for the Jaguars but had managed just 10 receptions for 80 yards the Jaguars' new offense. He has also been a kickoff and punt returner at times in his career, and it's worth wondering at least if the Lions will give him a look there in place of incumbent Stefan Logan, who has been inconsistent this season.
Thomas had something of a breakout season in 2010, posting 66 receptions for 820 yards and four TDs, but his production since has been disappointing. With the way Broyles has played the last two weeks, we'd be surprised if he lost any snaps to Thomas, who will probably fill the Lions' WR4 role and potentially get some work as a returner on special teams. Thomas, 25, is a player to monitor in the Lions' offense.
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