Pursuing his free agency options, former Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Jedrick Wills Jr. reportedly visited with the Detroit Lions on Thursday, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz.
Wills Jr. is an intriguing option for the Lions, as he was chosen No. 10 overall in the 2020 NFL draft, which was the second offensive tackle off the board behind only Andrew Thomas.
During his time in Cleveland, Wills Jr. started 45 games at left tackle in his first three years. Unfortunately, he suffered an MCL injury midway through 2023, which significantly hampered his ability to remain healthy ever since. As a result, he played just eight games in 2023 and five in 2024, and opted to sit out the entire 2025 season to address the issue.
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When on the field, Wills Jr. was a bit of a mixed bag. As a pass blocker, he was strong in his first few years, which led Cleveland to activate his fifth-year option for the 2024 season. His play in that area declined due to complications from his MCL injury. As a run blocker, he has been average to moderate, never scoring higher than 61.7 on PFF’s run-blocking grade.
Although Shultz reported that Wills Jr. also met with the New England Patriots, it is worth noting that new Lions offensive coordinator Drew Petzing was with Wills in Cleveland during the 2020-22 NFL seasons.
While Detroit doesn’t have a need for a starter right now after Taylor Decker announced he would return for the 2026 season, Wills Jr. could be a sleeper addition for the Lions, who have indicated their need to find a future replacement at offensive tackle either through free agency, the draft, or possibly via trade.
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This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: Detroit Lions host former Browns first-round OT on free agency visit