The Detroit Lions addressed many of their needs during the NFL offseason but were unable to re-sign wide receiver Josh Reynolds. Reynolds explained his decision to leave the Lions during his first media appearance at Denver Broncos OTAs on May 24.
“Business,” Reynolds said, via The Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. “It’s a business, but I think I’m where I’m supposed to be, and I’m excited.” Reynolds also mentioned that he had “always admired” Broncos head coach Sean Payton “from afar.” This offseason, the veteran receiver signed a two-year, $9 million contract with Denver.
Reynolds spent the last two and a half seasons with the Lions, where he was second among the team’s receivers in 2023 with 40 catches, 608 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
Reports indicate the Lions offered Reynolds a below-market value contract. The base value of Reynolds’ deal with the Broncos is $9 million, with $4.25 million guaranteed and potential earnings up to $5 million in incentives, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. The Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett reported the Lions didn’t offer a comparable deal, as general manager Brad Holmes considered Reynolds their “Plan A” receiver in free agency but was hesitant to spend on a player likely to be the No. 3 receiver next season. As a result, they made a below-market offer and maintained minimal contact with Reynolds’ camp.
The Lions have young receivers like Jameson Williams and Donovan Peoples-Jones ready to take on bigger roles, and they committed $10.5 million to depth receiver and punt returner Kalif Raymond last year. Additionally, they signed their leading receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, to a four-year, $120.01 million extension this offseason.
With these investments, the Lions felt comfortable offering Reynolds less than market value. Even if Reynolds had returned, Williams would likely have been Detroit’s No. 2 receiver in 2024. Williams has shown significant improvement this offseason, with head coach Dan Campbell describing him as “a man on a mission.” Williams demonstrated his potential at OTAs and during games last season, averaging 15.8 yards per catch over 18 regular season games, though he only posted 25 catches for 395 yards overall.
To avoid missing Reynolds, the Lions will need Williams to be more involved, but they appear confident he is ready for a bigger role.
