Wisconsin Football: Quintez Cephus Signs Deal with Detroit Lions
Former Wisconsin Football wide receiver Quintez Cephus agreed to his rookie contract with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday.
Former Wisconsin Football standout Quintez Cephus officially signed his rookie contract with the Detroit Lions on Wednesday. Cephus was selected in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
In three seasons with the Badgers, he proved to be one of their most reliable wide receivers in program history. After a slow freshman season, he came on strong in 2017 by hauling in 30 receptions for 501 yards and six touchdowns.
After missing the 2018 campaign due to off the field issues, he came back better than ever in 2019 and helped propel one of the more dangerous passing attacks in recent Wisconsin memory. He caught 59 passes for 901 yards and seven touchdowns–all were far and away the best on the team.
Cephus had another year of eligibility remaining at Wisconsin and, if he returned, he would’ve become one of the most prolific receivers in school history. However, he chose to forgo his senior season and enter the draft considering he’s four years removed from high school.
At 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Cephus has the strength to box out corners and make tough, contested catches. He doesn’t shy away from contact and will straight bully smaller corners at the point of attack. He also has just enough speed to create separation, and shows good, strong hands.
The rookie contract is expected to be for four-years and $3.6 million with a signing bonus of just over $300,000.
Cephus will join a potentially dangerous Lions’ passing attack that also includes Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones, Danny Amendola and former Green Bay Packer Geronimo Allison. Of course, the biggest question mark will be at quarterback. Matthew Stafford missed most of last year due to an injury–can he come back healthy in 2020?
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Cephus will have an opportunity to climb as high as fourth on the Lions’ wide receiver depth chart, meaning he could see decent playing time in his rookie campaign.