The majority of the Detroit Lions’ demands were met during the NFL offseason, which saw the team accomplish a lot. However, wide receiver Josh Reynolds was not able to be re-signed by Detroit.
During his first media appearance at the Denver Broncos OTAs on May 24, the veteran wide out gave a brief explanation of his decision to leave the Lions.
“Business,” Reynolds stated, as reported by Chris Tomasson of The Denver Gazette. “It’s a business, but I feel like I’m where I should be right now, and I’m excited about that.”
Reynolds continued, saying he has “always admired” Sean Payton, the head coach of the Broncos, “from afar.” This offseason, Denver signed the seasoned receiver to a two-year, $9 million contract.
He had been a member of the Lions for the previous two and a half seasons. Reynolds was second on the team in 2023 with 40 receptions, 608 yards, and five touchdowns.
Lions Made WR Available Josh Reynolds Under Market Value Agreement: Analysis
Reynolds’ contract with the Broncos is worth $9 million in total, including a guaranteed $4.25 million. Reynolds, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, may receive up to an extra $5 million in incentives.
According to Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the veteran receiver was not offered a similar contract by the Lions.
“General manager Brad Holmes insisted on Tuesday that Reynolds was the Lions’ “Plan A” receiver in free agency, and the team was interested in re-signing Reynolds for 2024. However, they were hesitant to spend money on a player who would have likely started as their No. 3 receiver the following season,” Birkett reported on March 27.
“They started free agency with a below-market contract offer and haven’t had much communication with Reynolds’ camp in recent weeks.”
Jameson Williams and Donovan Peoples-Jones, two young receivers for the Lions, are prepared to play larger roles. Kalif Raymond, a punt returner and depth receiver, had a $10.5 million commitment from Detroit as well last year.
The team’s top receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, was then signed by the Lions to a record-breaking 4-year, $120.01 million agreement this offseason.
Because of the depth on the roster and the amount of money previously spent on receivers, it appears that the Lions only felt comfortable attempting to get Reynolds back for less than market value.
How the Lions Will Replace Reynolds:
Birkett made no mention of Williams, but it seemed as though he implied that Williams would be Detroit’s No. 2 receiver in 2024 even if Reynolds had returned.
“Name one player who has progressed the most during that time, from beginning to end. Right now, Jamo [Williams] would be that man, Campbell told the press. All I’m going to say is that he’s a man on a mission. Okay? I’m going to end it there.
