Lions Reportedly Made 'Below-Market' Contract Offer to Josh Reynolds

Josh Reynolds secured a better contract with the Denver Broncos.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Josh Reynolds / Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions were not likely to match the contract numbers offered by the Denver Broncos.

Despite being a player the organization wanted to bring back, it did not appear the front office made a realistic contract offer the veteran wideout would be willing to accept.

According to the Detroit Free Press, "They made a below-market contract offer at the start of free agency and maintained minimal contact with Reynolds' camp in recent weeks."

All throughout the 2023 season, Reynolds was praised for his ability to extend the chains, making big catches and beling a reliable target for veteran quarerback Jared Goff.

“We’re still in contact with J-Rey,” Dan Campbell told reporters this week. “I don’t think it’s a secret what we think about him as far as type of player he is. The unselfishness, the dirty work, the versatility. So look, I love J-Rey and that doesn’t mean something won’t get done.”

Goff and Reynolds had grown close, stemming from their days playing together with the Los Angeles Rams.

The 29-year-old is signing a two-year contract worth up to $14 million to join the Broncos, after appearing in 37 games for Detroit since he was claimed of waivers in November of 2021.

General manager Brad Holmes expressed at the annual league meeting Reynolds was a free agent the team still wanted to re-sign, despite not being able to reach agreement on terms since the start of free agency.

“He’s one that was part of the original plans. Still having dialogue, we’ll just kind of see where that goes," said Holmes. "But that’s really the only one that’s still out there who was in the original plans.”

Since being selected in the fourth round of the 2017 draft by the Rams, Reynolds has recorded 220 receptions for 2,933 yards and 19 touchdowns.