Pros and Cons of Lions Re-Signing Josh Reynolds

Should Lions GM Brad Holmes re-sign Josh Reynolds?

Josh Reynolds established himself as one of the Lions’ top receivers during the 2023 regular season. Yet, at this point, he won't be remembered for his productive aforementioned campaign.

Instead, he'll be remembered for his disappointing performance in Detroit's NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers. Reynolds dropped three passes in the contest, including a throw from quarterback Jared Goff on a pivotal fourth-down conversion attempt in the third quarter.

The drop was the beginning of a series of unfortunate events for the Lions in the third quarter, during which Detroit blew a 17-point, halftime lead. The Lions were never able to recover, and ended up being on the losing end of what was their first NFC title game in 32 years.

That very well could have been Reynolds’ last game in a Lions uniform, too. He's set to be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and there's no guarantee that he'll be brought back for a fourth season in Motown.

Although Reynolds’ 2023 season didn't end on a positive note, there is plenty of reason to bring him back, though (as long as the contract terms are reasonable for Detroit). 

Goff and Reynolds have developed a great bond, dating back to their days playing together with the L.A. Rams. 

Reynolds entered the NFL in 2017 (with the Rams), and has been a teammate of Goff's basically ever since. The only time Reynolds wasn't a teammate of the veteran quarterback's was during a five-game stretch in 2021, when the pass-catcher was a member of the Tennessee Titans.

After a disappointing half-season stint in Tennessee, he was cut by the Titans, and eventually was picked up by Detroit.

Q&A: Branch Already Training for 2024, Hutchinson Optimistic

Reynolds has since turned into a valuable asset for Goff and the Lions’ passing attack. And, he proved to be an especially reliable target for Detroit's franchise passer this past season.

Goff connected with Reynolds 40 times for 608 yards and five touchdowns. Among Lions players, only Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta outpaced Reynolds in receiving yards and reception touchdowns. 

Additionally, the former Rams wideout amassed a near career-best 15.2 yards per reception. He recorded 15.5 yards per catch with Los Angeles in 2019. 

For his efforts in '23, he earned a career-high Pro Football Focus overall grade of 69.7, including a career-best PFF receiving grade of 69.3.

The stats above back up the fact that Reynolds is more than worth re-signing. 

He wouldn't break the bank – Spotrac suggests his current market value is approximately $7 million annually. And, he'd be a perfect piece to fill out the Lions’ wide receivers depth chart for the 2024 season. 

Furthering that point, if I were Brad Holmes, I'd add a No. 2-caliber receiver this offseason, and go into the upcoming season with Jameson Williams as my No. 3 wideout and Reynolds as my No. 4. 

In case it weren't already obvious, I'm definitely a proponent of inking Reynolds to a new contract.