Josh Reynolds’s potential departure in free agency has been all but certain, but the Lions are allowing him to sign again.

Josh Reynolds appeared to be headed out of the Detroit Lions in free agency for reasons unconnected to his two crucial turnovers in the NFC Championship Game defeat to the San Francisco 49ers or how the public saw his handling of the difficult game.

In the end, Reynolds might be able to receive more money over the course of a multi-year contract from another team in addition to a larger position for the upcoming campaign. He is scheduled to have one reported free agent visit (with the Baltimore Ravens) as the third week of free agency approaches. Although Reynolds’s market might not be very large, it was reasonable to assume that there would be greater interest in his product.

For the past two and a half seasons, Reynolds has been a reliable player for the Lions. He is obviously a good match for the team’s culture, as seen by the several nicknames head coach Dan Campbell has given him and the fact that he played through what appeared to be a rather serious injury for a while. An attempt was made to get him over 600 yards for the season and to a $250,000 contract incentive in the regular season finale of the previous year.

According to Justin Rogers of the Detroit News, Campbell stated during the league meetings on Tuesday morning that the Lions had remained in touch with Reynolds.

Campbell remarked, “Look, we’re still in contact with J-Rey.” “I don’t believe it’s a secret what we think of him as a player—his versatility, his unselfishness, and his willingness to put in the dirty work. See, just because I adore J-Rey doesn’t imply that nothing will get done.”

General manager Brad Holmes reaffirmed the possibility of Reynolds being re-signed later on Tuesday (via to Pride of Detroit).  “He was included in the initial plans,” Holmes remarked. We’ll just kind of see where that goes while we continue to have dialogue. However, that is essentially the only person who was originally intended to survive.

Donovan Peoples-Jones’ decision to resign seemed to be the Lions’ admission that Reynolds would not be returning. Regarding Peoples-Jones, Campbell is optimistic that a full offseason within the system will enable him to contribute in a more significant capacity.  “When we get to camp, he’ll understand what we’re doing better,” Campbell remarked. Therefore, in my opinion, all it accomplishes is assign us a candidate that we know is qualified for the role. He’s also a bigger-framed person, which makes him unique among our group.

After being acquired from the Browns at the trade deadline, Peoples-Jones played just 72 offensive snaps with five receptions in eight games for the Lions the previous season. Reynolds could have a road to a larger role the next season if he is not returned. The decision to re-sign Peoples-Jones under the guise of a “rising player” who is currently prevented from achieving his full potential would seem a little strange if Reynolds does return.