This offseason has been a massive shift for the Detroit Lions, especially in terms of the coaching staff. The Lions lost countless on their staff, including both coordinators.
Ben Johnson left to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, while Aaron Glenn will be the head coach of the New York Jets.
Steve Heiden and Tanner Engstrand both also left to join Glenn in New York, but a former player will be heading to the Big Apple as well. According to Ian Rapoport, receiver Josh Reynolds agreed to terms with the Jets on a one-year deal worth up to $5 million.
The #Jets are signing FA WR Josh Reynolds today, sources say, and he gets a 1-year deal worth up to $5M.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 27, 2025
Reynolds played for the #Broncos last year, and GM Darren Mougey is more than familiar. Also recently spent time with the #Jaguars, #Lions and #Titans. pic.twitter.com/JbNTWwM2vC
Josh Reynolds Will Be Signing With the New York Jets
Reynolds was with the Lions from 2021-2023, where was with Glenn. During that time there, he posted 97 catches for 1,393 yards with 10 touchdowns. Reynolds left in free agency in 2024 to sign with the Denver Broncos. That's where he crossed paths with Jets GM Darren Mougey.
It's very clear that those connections played a role in why Reynolds landed in New York. He gives them much-needed depth in the position. Garrett Wilson is the clear-cut No. 1 WR but behind him, New York has Tyler Johnson, Malachi Corley, and Xavier Gipson. They also have Allen Lazard on the team but his name has been floated in trade talks.
Reynolds immediately will become the WR2 or WR3 on this team going into the draft. The Jets needed to bolster their receiver room, and Glenn decided to go back to the Lions well.
Earlier in the offseason, there were rumors that the Jets had an interest in Tim Patrick, who ultimately re-signed with Detroit.
Reynolds also has experience playing in a scheme similar to what Engstrand will run as well. This pairing makes a ton of sense for both sides, and Glenn gets a player who he has some familiarity with.