By Blessing 
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes didn’t completely shut the door on a potential reunion with wide receiver Josh Reynolds in 2024. Reynolds had been a reliable presence for Detroit over the past three seasons, quietly building chemistry with quarterback Jared Goff and making consistent plays, even though he wasn’t always the go-to option.
Now, at 30, Reynolds could be on the brink of the biggest moment in his NFL journey. He’s joining a New York Jets team deep in transition—a team that’s rebuilding and looking for new stars to emerge. And Reynolds might just be one of them.
Reynolds Poised for a Breakout in New York
In a recent analysis, ESPN’s Rich Cimini labeled Reynolds as the Jets’ potential “surprise” contributor for the 2025 season. According to Cimini, Reynolds has a strong grip on the No. 2 receiver spot behind Garrett Wilson, giving him a real chance to shine in the revamped offense.
“After a strong offseason, Reynolds is the clear-cut leader for the WR2 job,” Cimini noted. “He arrived with little fanfare as a free agent (one year, $2.8 million), mainly because of a down 2024 with the Broncos and Jaguars. It also was a turbulent year; he suffered arm and head wounds in a shooting.”
Despite that difficult 2024, Reynolds appears to be settling into his new home with some familiar support. The Jets’ new head coach, Aaron Glenn, worked with Reynolds in Detroit when Glenn was part of the Lions’ coaching staff. That prior connection could help Reynolds find stability—and opportunity—in New York.
“New Jets coach Aaron Glenn knows Reynolds from their time in Detroit, where the 30-year-old receiver was a solid complementary option,” Cimini added. “Beyond Garrett Wilson, the Jets lack big-play ability after cutting Davante Adams. Reynolds has separated from Allen Lazard and others.”
Throughout his career, Reynolds has never crossed the 1,000-yard receiving mark. His most productive season came in 2020 with 618 yards, and his highest touchdown total was five in 2023. But with the Jets recently parting ways with Aaron Rodgers and ushering in Justin Fields at quarterback, the offense is being reshaped—and Reynolds could play a central role in that transformation.
Back in Detroit: A Wideout With a Lot to Prove
While Reynolds looks ahead to a fresh start in New York, the Lions have a wide receiver storyline of their own. Former first-round pick Jameson Williams is heading into a pivotal year, one that could define his future in the league.
Williams arrived in Detroit with huge expectations but has had a rocky start. His rookie season was mostly spent recovering from an ACL injury, and he’s faced two suspensions since—one for violating the NFL’s gambling policy and another for a performance-enhancing drug violation. Despite these setbacks, Detroit picked up his fifth-year option, though a long-term contract still hangs in the balance.
The good news for Williams? The coaching staff believes in him—strongly. New offensive coordinator John Morton had high praise for the young receiver, highlighting his focus and hunger to improve.
“Unbelievable. Just unbelievable,” Morton said via The Athletic. “When I first got here, he came in to see me, we had a chat and I’m painting the picture, this is what you need to do, this is how I see it and he has been unbelievable. Unbelievable. In the meetings, the attention to detail, I mean, I’m so excited to see him this year. It’s going to be a breakout year for him. So I can’t wait, I just can’t wait, man.”
Dan Campbell has also remained in Williams’ corner, backing him through the ups and downs of his first three seasons. If things click this year, both Reynolds in New York and Williams in Detroit could find themselves in career-defining seasons—just in very different settings.