The Detroit Lions continue to prioritize their own players during free agency. As reported by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the Lions are set to re-sign running back Craig Reynolds to a one-year contract.
Reynolds was a restricted free agent, but the Lions chose not to tender him. As a result, he became an unrestricted free agent at the start of the league year on Wednesday, but he will remain with the team. Contract details are not yet available.
Reynolds initially joined the Lions late in the 2021 offseason and quickly stood out in the preseason. He earned the nickname “Netflix” after then-running backs coach Duce Staley joked that Reynolds was at home watching TV when the team decided to sign him.
Since then, “Netflix” has earned a consistent role. He has been on the Lions’ roster for four seasons, primarily as the third running back. Despite this, he has been a reliable player on special teams and has stepped up during injuries at the position. Overall, Reynolds has played in 48 games for the Lions, rushing for 650 yards and one touchdown on 150 carries (4.3 YPC) in Detroit.
This year, making the 53-man roster may be more challenging for Reynolds. Last season, the Lions drafted Sione Vaki in the fourth round with plans to transition him from safety to running back. While Vaki mostly contributed on special teams last year, it’s possible that he could advance to become the RB3 behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.