Tom Kennedy
#85 WR · Detroit Lions
1 transaction this offseason
Height
5'10"
Weight
195 lbs
Age
29
College
Bryant
Draft
Undrafted
Experience
3 yrs
WR Rank
#187 / 257
Fan Verdict
Grade this player:
Career StatsF
| Year | Team | GP | Rec | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career |  | 29 | 18 | 231 | — |
| 2025 | | 6 | 4 | 36 | 0 |
| 2024 | | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | | 7 | 8 | 141 | 0 |
Updated Jan 1, 1970
Current Contract
Length
1 year
Total Value
$1.2M
Guaranteed
$20K
AAV
$1.2M/yr
Contract Value Index (CVI)
This signing grades out as a slight overpay for the Detroit Lions — the team is getting approximately what they're paying for in on-field production. Tom's on-field performance ranks in the bottom quartile among NFL WRs, grading him as an unproven at the position. His $1.2M average annual value ranks as bargain money for the WR market. The production lines up closely with the price tag — unproven production at bargain money, which is essentially paying fair market value. Tom is squarely in his prime, which adds to the deal's upside — the team should get multiple productive seasons out of this contract. The 1-year, $1.2M deal ($20K guaranteed, 2%) keeps the commitment short, giving the team financial flexibility to move on if performance drops.
Performance Analysis
Tom Kennedy grades as a depth piece among NFL wide receivers — a below-average player at the position. His strongest area is yards per reception at 9.00 (below the NFL average of 12.7), ranking as well below average for the position. Receiving yards per game, at 6.00 compared to an NFL average of 50.0, is where he falls short relative to the position. His high yards per catch but low volume suggests a deep-threat role with limited target share.
Performance vs. NFL Position Average
Season Grades
Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
F
2025
(50% weight)
F
2024
(30% weight)
D
2022
(20% weight)
Current Sentiment
Tom Kennedy represents a cautionary tale of organizational loyalty outpacing on-field production. With an F-grade performance, 231 career receiving yards, and 18 receptions across three seasons, Kennedy has failed to develop into a functional contributor at the wide receiver position despite multiple opportunities. The Lions' decision to re-sign him at $1.2M annually—framed charitably as rewarding their longest-tenured player—underscores organizational continuity rather than confidence in his abilities or market value. Media coverage emphasizes intangible qualities and character, a common rhetorical pattern when discussing underperforming players who remain on rosters. Kennedy's standing is that of a depth reserve surviving on organizational stability rather than on-field merit, placing him firmly in negative territory for reputation and league standing.