The Arizona Cardinals had a long list of free agents at the end of the 2025 season. They wanted several guys on the list, but some of the favorite fanbase players moved on.
Receiver Greg Dortch was a guy who had plenty of good days while wearing the angry bird
helmet. In free agency, he was signed by the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal.
RELATED: NEED TO KNOW: MEET KENDRICK BOURNE
The signing with the Lions places him with a familiar face in Detroit OC Drew Petzing, who coached Dortch while both were with the Cardinals.
Dortch, age 27, offered versatility while with Arizona in that he gave depth at receiver, was used in the slot, and was used as both a punt and kickoff returner.
He arrived in Tempe in 2021 after being released in training camp with the Atlanta Falcons. Initially, Dortch was signed to the Cardinals’ practice squad but was elevated in December. He had three punt returns and returned four kickoffs with just three receptions playing on the offense.
The following year, he became the default starter due to injuries in the receiver room. He played in all 16 games and had a career-high of 64 targets, 52 catches for 467 yards, 19 first-down conversions, two touchdowns, 293 YAC, and zero drops.
However, in the last three seasons, he was utilized more as a complementary guy, especially with the addition of Michael Wilson and Marv Harrison, who both took snaps and targets away from Dortch. There were whispers that perhaps he would return this year and earn the chance to continue, but with the signing of WR Kendrick Bourne from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency, that door closed.
The career totals of Dortch while with Arizona: 66 games played, 17 starts, 191 targets, 145 receptions, 1,310 yards, 10 touchdowns, 59 first down conversions, 9.0 yards per reception average, 964 YAC, 4 drops, plus 21 rushing attempts for 119 yards with an additional score.
