As the NFL free agency offseason approaches, Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes must make a number of key decisions that will determine the team’s roster for the 2024 season. Among these decisions is the future of wide receiver Josh Reynolds, whose time with the Lions is up for debate. Despite the team’s appreciation for Reynolds’ services, financial limits and strategic considerations may lead to a split.
Evaluating the Cost of Keeping Josh Reynolds
Josh Reynolds has proven to be a valuable asset for the Lions, offering reliability and skill at the wide receiver position. However, the financial implications of retaining him for another season are a significant concern. With the Lions reportedly exploring talent at the NFL Scouting Combine, particularly targeting “X” receivers, the option of drafting a replacement for Reynolds emerges as a potentially cost-effective strategy.
A Look Towards the Draft
Colton Pouncey of The Athletic reported that the Lions were interested in drafting a wide receiver, despite the fact that there was no obvious need on paper. The Lions’ involvement with promising wide receiver prospects at the Combine — LSU’s Brian Thomas Jr., South Carolina’s Xavier Legette, and North Carolina’s Devontez Walker — demonstrates a clear desire to rejuvenate their receiver lineup with fresh, physical talent who also has impressive speed, as evidenced by their 40-yard dash times.
This draft-focused approach could provide the Lions with a dual benefit: injecting youthful talent into their squad while managing salary cap constraints more effectively. The 2024 draft class’s depth in wide receivers offers an opportunity for the Lions to select a high-potential player without the hefty financial commitment required to re-sign veterans like Reynolds.
Financial Considerations
This decision has a significant financial impact. Pouncey suggests that choosing a wide receiver could result in significant savings. For example, the Houston Texans drafted Tank Dell in the third round the prior year, and he signed a four-year contract worth $5.7 million, which was a bargain given his success. Reynolds’ new contract, on the other hand, is projected to be a two-year deal worth $5.25 million each year, about double the cost over the same term for a rookie who may theoretically produce equivalent production.
