Advantages and Disadvantages of Lions Renewing Josh Reynolds’ Contract
Josh Reynolds emerged as one of the primary receivers for the Lions during the 2023 regular season. However, his standout performance during the season isn’t what will be remembered. Instead, his disappointing display in Detroit’s NFC Championship Game loss to the 49ers will stand out. In that game, Reynolds dropped three crucial passes, including one from quarterback Jared Goff on a critical fourth-down conversion attempt in the third quarter.
This drop marked the beginning of a downward spiral for the Lions in the third quarter, where they squandered a 17-point halftime lead. Despite their efforts, they couldn’t recover, resulting in their first NFC title game loss in 32 years. It’s possible that this game was Reynolds’ final appearance in a Lions uniform, as he is set to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, with no guarantee of returning for a fourth season in Detroit.
Despite the disappointing end to his 2023 season, there are compelling reasons to consider bringing Reynolds back, provided the contract terms are reasonable. Reynolds shares a strong rapport with Goff, dating back to their time together with the L.A. Rams. Since entering the NFL in 2017, Reynolds has been Goff’s teammate for the most part, except for a brief period in 2021 when he played for the Tennessee Titans.
After an underwhelming stint with the Titans, Reynolds found a home in Detroit, becoming a valuable asset for Goff and the Lions’ passing game. In the 2023 season, he caught 40 passes for 608 yards and five touchdowns, ranking among the team leaders in receiving yards and touchdowns. He also boasted an impressive 15.2 yards per reception, nearly matching his career high from 2019 with the Rams.
With his notable contributions, including career-high grades from Pro Football Focus, Reynolds presents a solid case for re-signing. His market value, estimated at around $7 million annually, suggests he wouldn’t break the bank. Moreover, he could complement the Lions’ receiving corps well for the 2024 season, potentially serving as a No. 4 option alongside newer acquisitions.
Given these factors, re-signing Reynolds seems like a prudent move for the Lions as they aim to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season.
