The Detroit Lions just lost a major piece of their 2023 offense on Wednesday when Josh Reynolds signed a two year deal with the Denver Broncos. Reynolds was the Lions number two receiver last season and put up 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns. Even bigger than that, 32 of those receptions were for first downs.
The season didn't end so well for Reynolds after he dropped two key passes in the NFC championship game, but Lions' GM Brad Holmes was still hoping to get Reynolds back as of Tuesday. That's not going to happen anymore.
Now the Lions, who already had plenty of reason to draft a receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, now have more of a reason than ever. They need to find that definitive number two receiver that can do some of the things that Reynolds could do, only better. The draft has some real options, but the Lions would likely have to use one of their first two picks at the position.
The Lions did re-sign Donovan Peoples-Jones and he has a play style that's similar to Reynolds, but he has yet to show that he can execute. Jameson Williams is expected to play a much larger role in 2024, but there's still depth issues after St. Brown and Williams. Especially when it comes to a big bodied X receiver. The Lions just don't have one. Here's the perfect chance to go get one.
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