For reasons unconnected to his two important drops in the NFC Championship Game defeat to the San Francisco 49ers, or perceptions of his reaction to the hard game, Josh Reynolds appeared to be departing the Detroit Lions in free agency.
When it comes down to it, another team may be able to offer Reynolds a larger role next season, as well as more money on a multi-year contract. As the third week of free agency begins, he has one reported free agent visit (to the Baltimore Ravens). Reynolds’ market was unlikely to be large, but it was reasonable to expect more attention.
Reynolds has been a quality Lions player for the past two and a half seasons. He is also definitely a culture fit, as head coach Dan Campbell has given him a slew of nicknames, and he played through what appeared to be a serious injury for a while. In last year’s regular season finale, an effort was made to get him over 600 yards for the season and a $250,000 contract bonus.
Lions leaving door open to re-signing Josh Reynolds
According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, Campbell stated at the league meetings on Tuesday morning that the Lions have maintained contact with Reynolds.
“Look, we’re still in contact with J-Rey,” Campbell stated. “I don’t believe it’s a secret what we think of him in terms of the type of player he is; his selflessness, hard labor, and adaptability. Look, I admire J-Rey, but it doesn’t mean nothing will get done.”
Later on Tuesday, general manager Brad Holmes confirmed that Reynolds might be re-signed (via Pride of Detroit).
“He was part of the original plans,” Holmes explained. “We’re still having communication; we’ll see where it goes. But that’s essentially the only one left who was in the initial plans.”
The re-signing of Donovan Peoples-Jones appeared to be an admission by the Lions that Reynolds would not be returning. Concerning Peoples-Jones, Campbell is sure that a complete offseason in the system will allow him to make an impact in a larger role.
“He’ll have a better understanding of what we’re doing (when) we go into camp,” he said. “So, I believe what it does is simply provide us with someone who we know can play the position. He’s also a bigger-bodied person, so he’s a little different than the other guys we have.”
