Craig Reynolds, who was not offered as a restricted FA, re-signs with the Lions.

In a move that surprised many, Craig Reynolds, who was not offered a restricted free agent tender by the Detroit Lions, has re-signed with the team for the 2025 NFL season. The decision marks a significant moment in Reynolds’ journey as an undrafted player and a testament to the Detroit Lions’ vision for depth and balance in their roster. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this re-signing, the role Reynolds will play on the team, and what it means for the Lions as they continue to build a playoff-contending squad.

The Unlikely Rise of Craig Reynolds

Craig Reynolds’ journey to the NFL is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and seizing every opportunity. Reynolds entered the league as an undrafted free agent after a solid college career at Kutztown University, an NCAA Division II school. The road to the NFL for players from smaller schools is rarely straightforward, and for Reynolds, it has been no exception.

After going undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft, Reynolds initially signed with the Washington Football Team. However, he was waived and later claimed by the Detroit Lions. Since then, his path with the Lions has been characterized by consistent growth and contributions when called upon. Known for his strong work ethic and ability to make the most of his opportunities, Reynolds has proven himself as a reliable depth piece in the Lions’ backfield.

In 2021, after spending time on the practice squad, Reynolds was elevated to the active roster. His first major contribution came late in the 2021 season when the Lions were dealing with injuries in their backfield. Reynolds stepped up with an impressive performance in the final weeks of the season, showing that he could be a viable option in both the running and passing game.

What Led to Craig Reynolds Not Receiving a Restricted Free Agent Tender?

One of the key aspects of Reynolds’ re-signing was the decision by the Detroit Lions not to offer him a restricted free agent (RFA) tender heading into the 2025 offseason. This meant that Reynolds was free to explore other opportunities on the open market, but it also opened up the possibility that the Lions could re-sign him without any immediate competition from other teams.

From a roster-building perspective, not offering Reynolds an RFA tender was a decision that likely came down to the Lions’ priorities in the running back room. The Lions had invested heavily in their backfield in recent years, with the drafting of running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the 2024 NFL Draft and the continued presence of star running back David Montgomery. Both Gibbs and Montgomery have secured prominent roles in the offense, leaving less room for Reynolds as a key contributor.

Additionally, Reynolds’ role in the offense has typically been as a backup or rotational player. While he has shown flashes of promise, his ceiling as a starting running back has always been limited. Given the Lions’ focus on building a playoff-caliber roster, they likely felt that offering Reynolds an RFA tender would be unnecessary, as it would tie up valuable resources for a player who wasn’t expected to see significant snaps on offense.

Why Did Craig Reynolds Return to the Lions?

Despite the lack of an RFA tender, Reynolds chose to return to the Detroit Lions for the 2025 season. This decision is telling in several ways.

1. Familiarity with the System and Coaching Staff: One of the most significant factors in Reynolds’ decision to re-sign was likely his comfort level with the Lions’ system. The Lions have built a strong culture under head coach Dan Campbell, and Reynolds has become familiar with their playbook, offensive schemes, and expectations. For a player like Reynolds, who has spent the majority of his NFL career with the Lions, this continuity is invaluable. It provides him with stability and an opportunity to continue his development without the need to adjust to a new system.
2. Role as a Reliable Depth Piece: Although Reynolds may never be the feature back in Detroit, he has shown he can be a reliable piece in a rotation. The Lions are a team that values depth and balance across the roster, and Reynolds has been a capable option when needed. His ability to step in as a spot starter or provide relief for injuries makes him an important asset, even if he is not a star player. In 2024, when Montgomery and Gibbs dealt with injuries, Reynolds proved that he could step into the lineup and provide solid performances, something that did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff.
3. Opportunity to Compete for More Snaps: Another reason Reynolds likely returned was the opportunity to compete for additional playing time, even in a crowded backfield. With Gibbs being a young and dynamic back who will likely get the majority of the snaps and Montgomery being the established veteran, Reynolds could be fighting for the third running back spot on the roster. If either of the top two backs goes down with an injury, Reynolds would be the next man up, and he knows that a strong camp could lead to more opportunities.
4. A Loyal and Determined Player: Over the past few years, Reynolds has shown an immense amount of loyalty to the Lions, and it seems that this relationship is one of mutual respect. After bouncing around on practice squads and making a name for himself in the NFL, Reynolds could have pursued opportunities elsewhere, but he chose to stay with the Lions, a franchise that took a chance on him. His return could be indicative of a desire to continue his career with a team that has shown trust in him when others might not have.

What Does Craig Reynolds Bring to the Lions in 2025?

As the Lions prepare for the 2025 season, the question remains: what exactly does Craig Reynolds bring to the table? While he may not be the star player on the roster, he adds several important elements to the team.

1. Reliable Depth at Running Back: Injuries are a reality in the NFL, especially at the running back position. Having a dependable player like Reynolds as a backup gives the Lions added security if anything were to happen to Montgomery or Gibbs. He has proven he can come in and perform at a reasonable level, making him a valuable asset in the event of an injury.
2. Special Teams Contributions: In addition to his role as a running back, Reynolds has shown value as a special teams contributor. In an era where special teams play is often overlooked, Reynolds’ ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game makes him a versatile piece for the Lions. Special teams are often the difference between winning and losing in close games, and Reynolds can be trusted to provide a solid effort in this area.
3. Veteran Leadership and Mentorship: While Reynolds may not be the most experienced player in the NFL, he has been in the league long enough to provide leadership to younger players. His journey from undrafted free agent to a key reserve player is a story that can inspire others. Reynolds can offer advice and support to rookie running backs or players transitioning into the NFL, and that kind of mentorship can be invaluable in a locker room.
4. Proven Ability in Short Yardage Situations: Reynolds may not have the home-run speed of some other backs, but he has proven to be reliable in short-yardage situations. His ability to pick up tough yards between the tackles can be useful in goal-line situations or when the team needs to move the chains on third-and-short.

What Does Craig Reynolds’ Return Mean for the Detroit Lions’ 2025 Outlook?

The Detroit Lions are coming off a promising 2024 season, and with key additions to the roster, including Jahmyr Gibbs, they are poised to make a strong playoff push in 2025. The return of Craig Reynolds, while not the biggest headline move of the offseason, is a strategic one that strengthens the depth and resilience of the team.

With the Lions’ running back room now featuring Montgomery, Gibbs, and Reynolds, the team is well-equipped to handle injuries and the physical grind of an NFL season. A strong running game will be key to their success in 2025, and Reynolds’ ability to provide a steady presence in the backfield allows the team to maintain its offensive balance and minimize the wear and tear on their top two backs.

Additionally, the Lions’ commitment to continuity and depth reflects their overall approach to roster construction. In a league where injuries and unexpected events can derail a season, having reliable players like Reynolds to step into important roles provides the team with flexibility and security. Whether it’s contributing on offense, special teams, or providing veteran leadership, Reynolds is a valuable piece of the puzzle.

Craig Reynolds’ re-signing with the Detroit Lions for the 2025 season may not have been the most talked-about move of the offseason, but it is certainly an important one for the team. With his reliability, work ethic, and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, Reynolds provides the Lions with the depth they need to continue building a competitive roster. While his role may not be as a star player, his contributions as a reserve running back, special teams asset, and veteran leader cannot be understated. As the Lions look to take the next step in their rebuilding process, Reynolds’ return is a smart and strategic move that further solidifies their position as a team to watch in 2025.