NFL free agency will begin when the tampering period opens on Monday, March 9, meaning it won't be long until the Detroit Lions' offseason reaches the next level. Although general manager Brad Holmes will have his hands full regarding who will stay and who won't, his divisional rivals also have to worry about their own pending free agents, allowing the Lions an opportunity to close the gap in the NFC North.
The Lions won't shed any tears if the Chicago Bears, who won the division in 2025, lose some contributors next month. In fact, that appears to be a likely possibility, judging by former Lions linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin's latest offseason soundbite, via Detroit Free Press' Dave Birkett.
"I’m deep into my career, and I know I can still do it, and I think I played well this year when I did, but it has to be the right situation for me. I have other priorities that are kind of creeping up there with just me as a football player. My family’s growing, I put a lot into my role (with the NFLPA), so we’ll see what happens. I’m open to it, but I’m going to be picky, and I’m going to get to a place where I feel like I’m set up nice and have comfort.Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Bears LB
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Unless there are drastic changes in his mindset in the coming weeks, it sounds like all signs are pointing to Reeves-Maybin leaving the Lions' rival soon.
Ex-Lions LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin Likely Leaving the Bears in Free Agency
If Reeves-Maybin were eager to stay in Chicago, odds are he'd be screaming to the heavens about a desire to stay. Instead, the former Lion is talking about the "other priorities" he must handle at this stage of his career, emphasizing that he wants to be "picky" about where the wind takes him next.
Perhaps this isn't too surprising, given that Reeves-Maybin's career has lacked stability recently. After spending five seasons in Detroit to begin his career, the former Tennessee Volunteer spent one year with the Houston Texans (2022) before returning for another two in the Motor City, followed by his time in Chicago.
Putting two and two together, it's easy to see why that mindset might lead him right off the Bears' roster.
When veterans are searching for destinations that work for their family and offer "comfort," that's usually because their careers are winding down, and winning no longer matters as much as it once did. That doesn't align with the Bears, who will be looking to take another step towards Super Bowl contention next season.
Reeves-Maybin was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro with the Lions in 2023; however, his career has trended downward since then. A neck injury led to his release by Detroit last offseason, leading him to join Chicago's practice squad in November. He looked like he lost a step during his five Bears appearances, between the regular season and playoffs, tallying just for total tackles.
Perhaps Reeves-Maybin's brief time with Chicago was enough for him to realize he can't handle playing on a contender at this stage of his career. He just turned 31 years old last month and has played only 13 games since the 2024 season began. It could be in his best interest to seek a destination where the stakes are less demanding.
Reeves-Maybin's Resume Should Help with His Goal
NFL teams are always looking to stock their cupboards ahead of training camp. Chances are that Reeves-Maybin will garner attention, even if it's only on a one-year contract or tryout basis. He has 117 games, 157 solo tackles, eight defended passes, and five forced fumbles under his belt, giving him enough attention to land an opportunity — especially from lowly suitors who desperately need defensive help.
At the end of the day, players can't go wrong if they do what they believe is best for them. Not everyone dreams of competing for the Super Bowl every season. Some guys, like Reeves-Maybin, are content playing low-stakes football and being paid quite well for it.
Needless to say, Lions fans will be waiting to see what the former 2017 fourth-rounder plays next, and whether it gives him the comfort he's eagerly seeking.