The free agent experience is different for every player and changes drastically over the course of their respective careers. One recent All-Pro selection for the Detroit Lions is learning that lesson now with each and every day that passes.
While the former fourth-round draft pick has proven he can be an impact playmaker on field when given the opportunity (you can't fake your way into an All-Pro selection), his situation is a reminder how much weight is given to the age and health of a player when determining how much they are worth to a respective franchise as a free agent.
With the NFL Draft on the horizon, the former Lions standout could find himself waiting a while longer before he is able to find a landing spot within the league, even if that comes in the form of a return to Detroit.
Don't Expect Former Lion Jalen Reeves-Maybin to Find a New Job in April
Following a standout career at the University of Tennessee, the Lions selected Jalen Reeves-Maybin in the fourth-round of the 2017 NFL Draft and, outside of spending a single season with the Houston Texans, the linebacker has played in Motor City for his entire professional career.
Reeves-Maybin has been a steady contributor throughout his tenures in Detroit with his best season coming in 2023 as he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career while also earning Second-Team All-Pro honors as a special teams member.
Following that successful campaign, Detroit rewarded Reeves-Maybin with a two-year, $7.5 million extension. However, Reeves-Maybin ultimately did not play out that contract with the Lions as Detroit elected to release the veteran after he made 10 appearances during the 2024 campaign after dealing with a neck injury. He served as a depth piece on defense this past season in addition to retaining the role on special teams that made him an All-Pro selection in 2023.
Given the fact that Reeves-Maybin was elected to serve a two-year term as the president of the NFLPA in 2024, he clearly is someone who is thought highly of by his peers and those around the league. It wouldn't be surprising to see him work out another deal with the Lions, but leaving for another team is certainly a possibility. Either way, don't expect that to happen any time soon.
Whether it's Reeves-Maybin waiting until closer to the season to determine his ideal landing spot or teams hesitating on pulling the trigger after a down year, the looming NFL Draft has a clear impact on his future. Teams will be looking to fill out their depth with rookies, and they won't be quick to sign additional veterans until they know what holes the rookie class hasn't filled.