The Baltimore Ravens are casting a wide net in their efforts to replace Odell Beckham. While the three-time Pro Bowler has yet to sign with a new team, the wide receiver has already said his goodbyes to the Ravens and will have a new team next year. After already bringing in Michael Gallup for a free agent visit, Baltimore has recently done their due diligence with wide receiver Josh Reynolds.
A former fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Josh Reynolds might not be the biggest free agent on the open market but can play a depth role in a passing attack. Last year with the Detroit Lions, the wide receiver recorded 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns, with a good percentage of that production coming during Jameson Williams’ suspension.
With Williams back on the field, the Detroit Lions no longer have any need for Josh Reynolds as a free agent. Even though the former first-round pick recorded just 24 receptions for 354 yards and two touchdowns while on the field, he played well down the stretch and appears to be growing into a reliable deep threat. Reynolds, while solid, lacks an elite ceiling but still has the speed to make defenses respect the deep part of the field.
Ravens Bring In Josh Reynolds on Free Agent Visit, Could Sign Soon
With Beckham on the way out, the Ravens need to add another wide receiver. Mark Andrews is a great tight end and Zay Flowers played well as a rookie, but former first-round pick Rashod Bateman has yet to consistently be a part of this passing attack. Lacking the funds to go after a big-name free agent, the Ravens need to do some bargain shopping to round out the depth chart, and Josh Reynolds could be the most cost-effective option on the market.
Andrews can stretch the seam and Flowers is a great route runner, but neither player can get open deep on the outside. Reynolds might seem a little redundant with Nelson Agholor on the roster, but he could be more effective if used in the same role. Alternatively, the Ravens could send both speedsters out onto the field and use their vertical abilities to clear passing lanes for Flowers and Andrews.
Even though Josh Reynolds won’t break the bank, a few teams should be interested in signing him as a free agent. While the seven-year veteran isn’t the type of player who can take over the offense, he is a nice complementary option who makes life easier for a young quarterback or provides depth in a top passing attack.
Possible Team Fits
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots are going to draft a quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, but they haven’t done nearly enough to support their next franchise passer. After striking out on Calvin Ridley and seemingly showing no interest in a trade, the Patriots have no choice but to try and support their quarterback with an army of decent role players. Adding Josh Reynolds as a free agent to the group of Kendrick Bourne, Hunter Henry, and Demario Douglas won’t strike fear into the hearts of opposing defenses, but each one has a unique enough skillset to provide some support for either Jacoby Brissett or New England’s rookie.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have two of the NFL’s most dangerous deep threats in Tyreek Hill and Tua Tagovailoa. When healthy, this duo is unstoppable, but the Dolphins do not have a Plan B if either player goes down. Speed is crucial to the Mike McDaniel offense, and Josh Reynolds could be a decent emergency option as a free agent. Obviously, he’s not capable of matching Hill or Waddle’s production, but he can force defenses to keep respecting the deep passing attack.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are doing their best to give Bryce Young a fighting chance in 2024. Diontae Johnson can get open quickly, Adam Thielen can still make plays in the intermediate part of the field, and the interior offensive line has players who can block. The only thing missing in this offense is free agent deep threat like Josh Reynolds. While none of these receivers are superstars, each one complements the others well and will give Young a chance to show what he can do as a professional.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers have the worst group of wide receivers in the league, and it’s not particularly close. Josh Palmer is nothing more than a journeyman, and Quentin Johnston had an atrocious rookie season. If signed as a free agent, Josh Reynolds might just be the best receiver on this depth chart. Justin Herbert is great, but no quarterback can win games without a little help at wide receiver.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs made one of the best signings of the offseason when they brought in Marquise Brown on a one-year deal. The former first-round pick will provide a much-needed vertical element to this offense, but Kansas City could still use more help at wide receiver. After all, Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney are still relatively high on this depth chart, and the team could use a free agent like Josh Reynolds to be a stable fourth option in the passing attack. With the team going for a the first three-peat in NFL history, Kansas City should focus all their resources on building the best roster possible.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
