By Sunday 
The NFL Draft is a time of hope, hype, and heartache — all wrapped into one chaotic weekend. While fans celebrate new faces and imagine breakout rookie seasons, some familiar names are feeling the pressure. For a few former Detroit Lions, this year’s draft may have signaled the end of the road.
Whether it’s bad luck, underperformance, or just the youth movement sweeping across the league, here are three ex-Lions who could be job hunting by the time Week 1 rolls around.
1. Josh Reynolds (WR, Jets) – Outrun by the Next Generation?
Josh Reynolds has had a winding career — from the Rams to the Titans, to becoming a steady piece in Detroit’s offense. But after signing with the Broncos last year, things took a rough turn. A fractured finger kept him sidelined, and then a terrifying incident left him with gunshot wounds to his arm and head. Thankfully, he escaped with only minor injuries, but his season — and his time in Denver — were over.
Fast forward to now: Reynolds is on a one-year deal with the New York Jets, reuniting with former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. Sounds promising, right?
Well, not so fast.
The Jets grabbed Georgia speedster Arian Smith in the fourth round — a guy who blazed through the combine with a 4.36-second 40-yard dash. While Reynolds enters as the presumed starter, Smith is built for the same role: speed threat, vertical option, field stretcher. If Smith shows out in camp, Reynolds could slide down the depth chart… or off it entirely.
2. Kindle Vildor (CB, Buccaneers) – Running Out of Chances
Kindle Vildor has worn more jerseys than most fans can keep up with, but one thing’s been consistent: he’s struggled to lock down a spot. His stint in Detroit during 2023 didn’t leave much of a mark, and his numbers with the Lions were, well… forgettable.
Pro Football Focus gave him a 46.7 overall grade. He allowed 1.61 yards per coverage snap in the slot — a rate that would’ve ranked near the bottom of the league if he had played enough snaps to qualify.
The Bucs still tossed him a lifeline with a modest one-year, $1.19 million deal. But then came the draft — and with it, Kansas State’s Jacob Parrish, dubbed a “slot demon,” who now joins Tykee Smith in Tampa Bay’s cornerback mix.
Vildor is staring at a training camp battle he may not win.
3. Starling Thomas V (CB, Cardinals) – Numbers Don’t Lie
Starling Thomas V has a classic underdog story — undrafted out of UAB, cut by the Lions, and then earning a starting role with the Arizona Cardinals. He’s played in 29 games and started 22 over the last two years. Not bad for someone who wasn’t even drafted.
But the stats haven’t been kind.
A 119.7 passer rating allowed over 97 targets. No interceptions. Just five pass breakups in two seasons. Solid presence? Sure. Lockdown corner? Not quite.
Now throw Michigan’s Will Johnson into the equation — a projected top-5 pick who fell to Arizona in the second round because of a knee issue. Once healthy, Johnson could quickly claim a starting role, pushing Thomas to the sidelines — or out the door entirely.
The NFL Moves Fast — and Detroit’s Footprint Still Lingers
Detroit’s revamped roster may be focused on the future, but its past players are still trying to stay relevant. As camps get underway and depth charts take shape, it’s clear: the NFL waits for no one. For Reynolds, Vildor, and Thomas, it’s now or never.
If they can’t hold off the incoming rookie class, they might be searching for their next shot — again.