With Contract Details Revealed, Lions Did Not Value Josh Reynolds

Josh Reynolds Broncos contract details revealed.

Former Detroit Lions wideout Josh Reynolds / David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions did not value veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds enough to top a relatively affordable contract offer from the Denver Broncos.

After it was initially reported the veteran received left Motown to sign a two-year, $14 million contract to play for Sean Payton, the actual details reveal a contract Detroit could have easily matched or topped.

According to overthecap.com, the 29-year-old only has $4.5 million in guaranteed monies, and his agreement is actually a two-year deal for $9 million without performance bonuses.

To part ways with Reynolds after one season would only cost Denver $4.5 million split over two years.

The 29-year-old explained recently why he decided to sign with the rebuilding AFC squad.

“I’ve always been an admirer of head coach (Sean) Payton,"Reynolds told writer Sydney Jones, via Mile High Huddle. "Seeing him with the Saints for so long, I just love his creativeness. And I know he’s going to put great people around the facility. I’m just looking forward to getting to work with him.”

When Amon-Ra St. Brown battled an abdominal injury, Reynolds stepped up and became a reliable target for veteran signal-caller Jared Goff.

The duo had undeniable chemistry, something that could be missed this upcoming season.

"He and Goff are in unbelievable sync together," Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket last season. "Goff’s got a real good bead on what he’s doing by how he runs routes and comes out of them, and he trusts that he’s going to be where he’s supposed to be. He is, right now, you can’t argue it, our most explosive receiver. The proof's in the pudding."

Detroit's front office likely felt Donovan Peoples-Jones, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract could be a reliable replacement. Second-year wideout Antoine Green will likely also be given a look to earn more playing time and targets coming his way.

Interestingly, general manager Brad Holmes expressed at the annual league meetings the team was still interested in negotiating with the veteran wideout and felt the two sides could still reach an agreement.

Reynolds' last game for Detroit was underwhelming and included multiple drops against the San Francisco 49ers.

If Holmes and Detroit's coaching staff valued the contributions made throughout his entire tenure, reports would not have surfaced regarding the initial offers being below market value.