The Detroit Lions are off and running in OTAs trying to establish the roster after a bitterly disappointing end to the 2024-25 campaign. Detroit has an exceptional foundation that the fan base should be proud of, but this is a key summer to ensure that the success in the regular season can carry over into the playoffs.
There has been a lot of turnover both from a roster perspective and on the coaching staff, though the next few months will be interesting to watch based on potential moves that could bolster the 53-man group this fall.
Unfortunately for the Lions, one former All-Pro special teams standout could sign with the Green Bay Packers during OTAs.
Watch the way the Lions defend #1 (top of the screen).
— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) August 18, 2024
Khalil Dorsey gets caught up in the traffic, but Jalen Reeves-Maybin does an incredible job weeding through the crossing routes to pick him up, while Dorsey then fades back to cover the TE.
Seriously impressive. pic.twitter.com/YQROu2C1xV
Former Lions LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin Could Sign With Packers During OTAs
Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who received Second-Team All-Pro honors for his work on special teams in 2023, remains a free agent with June fast approaching. He's never been an exceptional defender, receiving just 24% of defensive snaps in 2024, though his work on the forgotten third is among the best in the NFL.
Reeves-Maybin could be a missing piece for the Packers as they desperately try to improve a terrible unit under coordinator Rich Bisaccia. Green Bay's special teams need an injection of energy and Reeves-Maybin can provide that, much to Lions fans' chagrin.
It was surprising to see Detroit move on from the 30-year-old vet, and even more surprising that he hasn't been signed yet. Teams can always use someone with his skill set, and there are few special teamers better than Reeves-Maybin.
He managed just 14 tackles in 2024 and ranked 130th out of 189 qualified linebackers at Pro Football Focus, so this is someone who could be had on a minor, potentially non-guaranteed deal. Regardless, it'd hurt to see him join a division rival in what's expected to be a heated NFC North race.
We'll see what happens, but the Lions may wind up regretting letting Reeves-Maybin walk.