Wide receiver Josh Reynolds is packing his bags for the Mile High City. In a new agreement that will see him don Broncos colors, Reynolds has snagged a two-year contract worth up to $14 million. His stint in Detroit, which came about after being claimed off waivers in November 2021, has officially come to a close. The Detroit News first broke the news on this latest NFL free-agency move.
The Lions were initially keen to retain Reynolds for the 2024 season, with general manager Brad Holmes touting him as their "Plan A" receiver in free agency. But the Lions balked at the idea of committing significant funds to a player who would likely begin the season as their number three wideout. According to Holmes, in a statement obtained by Pride of Detroit, despite Detroit striking gold with every other primary target in free agency, "Reynolds was one that was part of the original plans." Yet their contact with his camp had been minimal in recent weeks, indicating perhaps the two parties were heading in different directions.
Over the last season with Detroit, Reynolds became a go-to option for Lions quarterback Jared Goff, amassing 608 yards and five touchdowns on 40 receptions. His connection with Goff stretches back to their days with the Los Angeles Rams from 2017-2020. Despite his consistent performance during regular season play, Reynolds experienced some key drops in the Lions' NFC Championship loss to the San Francisco 49ers, which may have played a role in the team's decision-making process. The Detroit Free Press covered his track record with the team, detailing the highs and lows of his time in Michigan.
To fill the vacancy, the Lions have a variety of options on their roster and could look to make further additions in the upcoming draft. Amon-Ra St. Brown stands out after an All-Pro season, and there's anticipation around Jameson Williams' expected leap into his third year. The club will also see the return of Donovan Peoples-Jones, a trade acquisition from Cleveland who impressed in his limited time on the field and was recently awarded an extension. As per Detroit's coaching staff, Peoples-Jones is viewed as an asset that brings a different physicality to the position and could be a key contributor with an offseason learning the team's scheme under his belt. Pride of Detroit outlined the expectations for the team's receiving corps in the post-Reynolds landscape.
The Broncos, meanwhile, will be hoping Reynolds can replicate some of his Detroit magic as they look to bolster their own receiving ranks. A new chapter begins for Reynolds in Denver, leaving the Lions to reassess and reload their wide receiver weaponry as they look to build on last season's momentum without one of their key pieces from the puzzle.
