The NFL Draft added a ton of new talent to the Detroit Lions, but not everyone is excited about seeing some new faces. While rookies are excited for their opportunity, veterans are looking to keep their jobs. It’s an interesting dynamic that will play out over the months leading up to the start of a new season and it’s one that can be seen throughout the league.
This means that it’s not just current Lions playing for their jobs. A bunch of former players who used to call Detroit home are trying to fend off the new rookie class so they have a place to play in 2025. But the draft isn’t kind to anyone and three former Lions could be looking for work as the offseason program plays out.
1. Josh Reynolds, WR, Jets
After beginning his career with the Los Angeles Rams, Reynolds signed with the Tennessee Titans and was traded to Detroit midway through the 2021 season. He caught 97 passes for 1,393 yards and 10 touchdowns during his time with the Lions, but signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Denver Broncos for a new start in 2024.
Unfortunately, Reynolds had a nightmare season. He missed time with a fractured finger before he was shot in the left arm and the back of the head. While Reynolds suffered only minor injuries, it caused him to be released by Denver in December and picked up by the Jacksonville Jaguars.
After his release from Jacksonville, Reynolds sought out a familiar face, reuniting with former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and signing with the New York Jets. His one-year, $2.75 million contract isn’t a guarantee to a roster spot, however, and the Jets selected Georgia speedster Arian Smith in the fourth round of the draft.
Some believe Smith was a reach, but his 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine suggests he could serve a similar role to Reynolds. While Reynolds is the starter, Smith has the opportunity to overtake him, sending Reynolds to a backup role or on the free agent market by the end of training camp.
2. CB Kindle Vildor, Buccaneers
Kindle Vildor is looking for a new start after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his opportunity may not be what it seems. The 27-year-old began his career as a fifth-round draft pick by the Chicago Bears in 2020 and spent a season and a half in Detroit after arriving midway through the 2023 season.
While Vildor has made a tour around the NFL, he hasn’t produced enough to earn a permanent job. Vildor only played 316 total snaps last season, but they weren’t impressive with an overall grade of 46.7 according to Pro Football Focus. He also averaged 1.61 yards allowed over 287 coverage snaps in the slot, which would have tied him with teammate Amik Robertson for the sixth-highest clip in the league if he had enough snaps to qualify.
Those numbers justify why Detroit allowed him to walk in free agency and why he only got $1.19 million on a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The pieces continue to come together when Tampa Bay selected Kansas State cornerback Jacob Parrish, who has been dubbed a slot demon, in the fifth round of the draft and it could put Vildor on the ropes.
With Tykee Smith and Parrish ahead of him, Vildor faces stiff competition if he wants to earn a roster spot during camp.
3. Starling Thomas V, Cardinals
One of the biggest storylines on draft night was the fall of Michigan cornerback Will Johnson. Projected as a top-five pick at the beginning of the draft boards, Johnson plummeted down the board due to a knee issue. His fall continued through the end of the first round until Johnson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 47th overall pick and while Johnson was probably relieved, Starling Thomas V was probably sick to his stomach.
Thomas joined Detroit as an undrafted free agent out of UAB in 2023 but was cut during training camp. Thomas latched on with the Cardinals, however and has played a big role, appearing in 29 games and making 22 starts over the past two seasons.
Although he’s been a fixture in Arizona’s defense, his success hasn’t been there. Thomas has allowed a 119.7 passer rating on 97 targets in his two seasons in the NFL and allowed 30 receptions, 396 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 51 targets last season. He is also looking for his first interception and has just five pass breakups in 246 coverage snaps.
The improvement is encouraging but the Cardinals willingness to stop Johnson’s slide is not. With Johnson in the fold, Thomas could be relegated to a reserve role and look to make an impact somewhere else.