Report: Lions' Golladay strong candidate for franchise tag

The Detroit Lions may be poised to use the franchise tag to keep wide receiver Kenny Golladay off the open market.

Golladay is a "strong franchise tag candidate," reported NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on "NFL NOW" Monday. The window opens Tuesday to use the one-year tender.

"I know they had talks last year about a long-term extension" said Rapoport. "Did not happen. Going to try again this year. But expect him to be tagged if they don't get a deal."

The wideout is coming off an injury-shortened campaign. He caught 20 passes for 338 yards and two touchdowns in five games.

But Golladay produced back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons prior to 2020, and the veteran would be among the most sought-after free agents if he avoids the tag.

While the Lions appear ready for a rebuild after trading quarterback Matthew Stafford following head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn's firings, the team is likely motivated to keep Golladay to help new starter Jared Goff.

Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola led the Lions' passing attack in Golladay's absence, but both are also pending free agents.