With depth and injury concerns, the Lions made a low-profile free agent signing on Wednesday, adding sixth-year receiver Chaz Schilens. Knowing that Nate Burleson is returning from a broken leg and second-year pro Ryan Broyles is carrying a significant injury history, the Lions will throw Schilens into the mix as well.
Selected in the seventh round of the 2008 draft by the Oakland Raiders, Schilens played in all 16 games as a rookie, catching 15 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns. He played four seasons with the Raiders, gaining 902 yards and seven touchdowns, before signing a deal with the New York Jets last season.
Schilens caught 28 passes for 289 yards and two scores for the Jets, making six starts.
The Lions are hopeful that Burleson and Broyles can stay healthy for the entire year and complement Calvin Johnson and the rest of the wide receiver unit, but if not, Schilens will compete against the likes of Kris Durham and Mike Thomas for reps.
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