Josh Reynolds spent three steady seasons with the Detroit Lions, quietly building chemistry with Jared Goff and making plays from deeper down the depth chart. But now, at 30 years old, he’s staring at what could be the biggest opportunity of his career.
After signing with the rebuilding New York Jets, Reynolds is poised to make a big splash. ESPN’s Rich Cimini tabbed him as the Jets’ “surprise” player for 2025, predicting Reynolds will step into the WR2 role right behind star receiver Garrett Wilson.
“After a strong offseason, Reynolds is the clear-cut leader for the WR2 job,” Cimini wrote, noting Reynolds’ impressive spring. “He arrived with little fanfare as a free agent (one year, $2.8 million), mainly because of a rough 2024 with the Broncos and Jaguars. That year included a scary incident where he suffered arm and head wounds in a shooting.”
A familiar face could help Reynolds hit the ground running: Jets head coach Aaron Glenn, who coached Reynolds during his time in Detroit. Cimini pointed out that connection, saying, “New Jets coach Aaron Glenn knows Reynolds from their time in Detroit, where the 30-year-old was a solid complementary option.”
With Davante Adams no longer in the picture, the Jets lack big-play threats beyond Wilson. Reynolds has separated himself from Allen Lazard and other competitors, giving him a clear shot to become Justin Fields’ second-favorite target.
Reynolds has yet to crack 1,000 receiving yards in a season, with his best year coming in 2020 when he posted 618 yards. His highest touchdown mark is five scores in 2023. But the Jets’ new direction at quarterback and the lack of established weapons give Reynolds a fresh chance to finally shine.
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Meanwhile, in Detroit…
The Lions wide receiver room also has its own drama brewing. Former first-round pick Jameson Williams is entering what many see as a make-or-break season. Williams, who missed much of his rookie year rehabbing a torn ACL and faced two separate suspensions — one for gambling and another for a failed PED test — has yet to meet expectations.
Williams has shown flashes of big-play ability, and the Lions extended him for a fifth year, but he still needs to prove he can be a reliable long-term option. New offensive coordinator John Morton is optimistic, calling Williams “unbelievable” in his preparation and attention to detail. Head coach Dan Campbell also remains supportive, hoping this year will finally be Williams’ breakout season.
Former Lions Receiver Could Shine as Jets’ WR2 Under Aaron Glenn
