The Green Bay Packers released receiver Jared Abbrederis toward the end of October, 2016. He didn’t sign with a new team — ultimatately, the Detroit Lions — until after the season was over.
We figured Abbrederis would find a home somewhere during the season. It turns out there was interest. Abbrederis just wasn’t interested.
While most players are quick to jump at the next paycheck, Abbrederis decided not to go that route.
“I just wanted to wait until the season was over because it would give me an opportunity to learn a playbook in the offseason, when it’s a little bit less, not that you’re going in a game right away,” Abbrederis said. “So I just figured that would give me the best opportunity. Then, I would get fully healthy, develop a little bit, get myself ready to go.”
If you think about it, that’s a smart way to go, providing you actually get that postseason contract.
Most young guys who get cut during the season end up signing elsewhere quickly. If you look at a lot of those careers, you’ll see guys who bounce from team to team for three or four years and that’s it. It’s hard to learn a system and a playbook when you don’t stay anywhere very long or you’re trying to do so during a season.
Abbrederis has put himself in a pretty good position. He has a full offseason to pick up the Lions’ offense. He also has a decent opportunity to become their third receiver.
Behind Marvin Jones and Golden Tate, the Lions’ collection of receivers are a bunch of nobodies.
Take a look at this list: T.J. Jones, Kenny Golladay, Jace Billingsley, Keshawn Martin, Dontez Ford, Michael Rector, Ryan Spadola, Noel Thomas Jr., Robert Tonyan Jr.
Ever heard of any of those guys?
Nothing ever seems to be a lock for Abbrederis, largely because he can’t stay healthy.
However, he has been turning heads in Detroit this offseason and it looks like this may be his best opportunity to contribute since he entered the league.
