After trotting out mostly the same wide receiver group for the past four seasons, the Broncos moved on from Jerry Jeudy to signal a shift under Sean Payton. They are now adding a key piece to Payton’s second Denver roster.
Josh Reynolds is signing with the Broncos, per ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter, who indicates the ex-Lions and Rams wideout agreed to a two-year deal worth up to $14MM. The Ravens were also pursuing Reynolds, hosting him on a visit last week, but he will join Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and Marvin Mims in Denver.
[RELATED: Broncos Keeping Tim Patrick After Pay Cut]
The former Rams fourth-rounder transitioned from midseason waiver claim — on a Lions team in need of receiving help during Dan Campbell‘s first season — to regular starter. As Detroit made its climb to the NFC North championship and the Super Bowl LVIII precipice, Reynolds operated as a key Amon-Ra St. Brown sidekick — even as Jameson Williams‘ role expanded. Reynolds finished last season with 40 catches for 608 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The Lions did make an attempt to re-sign Reynolds, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Reynolds, 29, playing for Campbell could make a transition to Payton easier when considering the popular Lions HC spent five years as a Saints assistant. This will, however, mark a transition from Jared Goff, Reynolds’ QB for most of his career. The Rams let Reynolds walk after his rookie deal expired, moving on despite the 6-foot-3 target’s career-high 618 receiving yards in 2020. Los Angeles was carrying then-recent extensions for Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods at that point, and Reynolds signed with the Titans. That fit did not take, with the Lions claiming the Texas A&M alum following a November cut.
The Lions used Reynolds as a key St. Brown complement for two-plus seasons, as an injury and a gambling suspension sidetracked Williams’ NFL start. Even with Williams back in action following his six-game 2023 ban, Reynolds maintained a regular role. That said, he did not eclipse 45 receiving yards after Williams returned to action. While operating mostly as a decoy, Reynolds did resurface with an 80-yard showing in the Lions’ wild-card win over the Rams. Reynolds also caught a touchdown pass in the Lions’ second-round win over the Buccaneers, but he dropped a crucial fourth-down pass against the 49ers in the NFC title game.
While the Reynolds contract’s base value is not yet known, this deal qualifies as more than a flier. It stands to crowd Denver’s receiver group, though Reynolds also represents insurance in case Patrick — he of ACL and Achilles tears in consecutive training camps — is unable to recapture his pre-Russell Wilson-era form. Denver keeping Sutton on the roster as of March 18 guaranteed the seventh-year veteran $2MM of his $13MM 2024 base. That would point to Denver’s 2023 receiving leader sticking around, but the Broncos dangled the former second-round pick in trades last year — nearly sending him to Baltimore — before turning to him as Wilson’s top target. Jeudy recently signed a Browns extension, after being dealt for fifth- and sixth-round picks.
It is not known who exactly will be targeting the Broncos’ receivers in 2024, but the team has its group nearly rounded out a month ahead of the draft.
Finally got picked up. I was wondering where he’d land. Underrated talent
I think most people only think of him as that drop against the 49ers; he’s a suitable number 2 wideout and an amazing number 3. Good pickup for Denver.
Don’t drop your cheque, punk.
Nothing like an internet tough guy NFL fan who uses British spelling.
It’s French, I believe. Of course, most modern “British” spelling is actually French sourced, as are many pronunciations (such as the way many people say “envelope” as “ahn-velope”). Colour, favourite, and attourney also come to mind.
Technically that would be chèque. The British say cheque.
Ah, the accented keyboard strikes again. C’est la vie.
Je comprends
Because he’s a troll
Innit
Of the 40 catches he recorded in 2023, 37 were for a First Down or Touchdown. That’s 92.5%, clearly he was big playmaker.
Another guy I was hoping the Bears would take a shot at. Yeah they have 2 stud WR’s now but that’s about it. They must be hoping Nabers or Odunze falls to them at 9. Where’s the depth? They have some more dead weight they can dump and spreading Allen’s Cap hit out with an extension should be possible.So what is Poles waiting for? He’s let a bunch of nice depth options slip through his fingers.
The draft isn’t just top heavy in receivers. There are tons of guys who are likely to be at least number three starters, enough that there will be solid prospects in rounds three or four. With such a strong (and pricey) top two, they can afford to bring in some cheap youth to round out the group. If they’re going to spend, seems like the defensive line makes more sense at this point.
Yeah, I agree. Reynolds really isn’t anything special, and his connection with Goff really helped him in Detroit. He’s not bad, but I don’t consider him as bringing anything to the table that most teams couldn’t find in this year’s draft. Chicago has two good but not exactly young receivers; it may behoove them to select a young player to play behind them and learn without the pressure of starting (ala Davante Adams under Jordy Nelson and Donald Driver in Green Bay).
I agree Ak,
CHI can grab a young WR in the 3rd Round.
Jalen McMillan Washington
Jermaine Burton Alabama
Brenden Rice USC
Johnny Wilson Florida State
Just some possible options.
WR is very deep in this draft
Another reason why the Bears need to trade down. With having to take a QB at 1 that leaves them 3 draft picks and multiple needs.
That’s a good idea unless they are in love with 1 of the top guys and he falls to them I suppose
Tell me it’s a slow NFL new day without telling me
Not much of a loss. His 40 receptions a season in Detroit weren’t worth $7 million a year. I’m sure they’ll find an upgrade.