The Detroit Lions are sprinting toward the beginning of the 2025 season. But there are still a few of their defenders that are still looking for a job.
Many are wondering when Za’Darius Smith will decide to return to the Lions or find a job somewhere else. Other defenders further down the depth chart could just be waiting for an opportunity. But for one former Lion, his job search came after a shocking release earlier this offseason and could set him up for a job in the coming weeks.
Jalen Reeves-Maybin Can’t Find a Job After Lions Release
The Lions made a tough decision when they released Jalen-Reeves Maybin last March. Maybin was entering the second year of a two-year, $7.5 million contract and his release even drew a strong reaction from fellow linebacker Alex Anzalone.
Reeves-Maybin began his career with the Lions in 2017 and became a key contributor on special teams before serving in a starting role during the 2021 season. After collecting 82 total tackles with four for lass, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery, Reeves-Maybin signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Houston Texans.
His stay in Houston lasted just one season, however, and he returned to Detroit on a one-year, $1.75 million contract and re-signed with his two-year deal the following year. He served as the captain of the Lions’ special teams unit last season but also logged a career-low 59.8 grade on 232 snaps according to Pro Football Focus.
Pro Football Network’s Mark Stotle speculated that Reeves-Maybin could be a fit for the San Francisco 49ers upon his release. But the market has been quiet. It could be that teams have filled their special teams units with younger and cheaper talent or the 30-year-old could be waiting to see if a spot opens up due to an injury or a team’s assessment during training camp.
The Lions have some questions at the linebacker position behind Anzalone, Jack Campbell and Derrick Barnes as Malcom Rodriguez rehabs from a torn ACL. But Reeves-Maybin would be more of a special teams signing anyway and could be on speed dial if Detroit is open to a reunion.