After an impressive all-around performance this season, the Detroit Lions have decided to extend a contract to linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin.
Ahead of the commencement of free agency, the Detroit Lions have opted to retain one of their own players. As reported by Mike Garafalo of NFL Network, the Lions have inked linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin to a lucrative two-year contract worth $7.5 million.
Garafolo further specified that the contract could potentially reach a maximum value of $8 million, featuring $5.245 million in guaranteed money, including a $2.5 million signing bonus. This agreement establishes Reeves-Maybin as the highest-paid core special teamer in NFL history.
Originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Reeves-Maybin has spent the entirety of his professional career with the Lions, except for a brief stint with the Houston Texans in 2022, which lasted only one season before returning to Detroit last offseason on a one-year, $1.75 million deal.
Reeves-Maybin’s standout performances garnered him his first career Pro Bowl nod and earned him second-team All-Pro honors last season, primarily for his contributions on special teams. Notably, he tied for the league lead with 14 special teams tackles and successfully executed two fake punts—one as a passer and the other as the ball carrier.
Recognizing Reeves-Maybin’s often overlooked but significant contributions, the Lions have chosen to reward him for his efforts. During the previous season, Reeves-Maybin demonstrated his versatility by seamlessly transitioning to a more prominent defensive role when called upon, particularly evident in his exceptional performance during the latter part of the season and into the Divisional Round playoff game, where he excelled in 111 out of his 121 total defensive snaps.
Head coach Dan Campbell and special teams coach Dave Fipp have both showered praise on Reeves-Maybin for his outstanding performance throughout the 2023 season.
“He’s incredibly resourceful. We observe his dedication and skills every day, whether it’s during practice sessions, game scenarios, or individual drills. He’s always in pursuit of the ball, constantly finding ways to disrupt plays,” remarked Campbell. “We have immense confidence in him, and his contributions to the team are invaluable.”
“He truly encompasses the essence of versatility for us,” special teams coordinator Dave Fipp emphasized during a January interview. “He handles every task we throw at him and goes above and beyond. More than just his on-field prowess, he’s a leader who leads by example. While he sets high standards through his actions, he also possesses a knack for offering guidance to his teammates, whether through subtle gestures or direct conversations. He has truly taken the reins of leadership within the group and has excelled in that role.”
General manager Brad Holmes has echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the Lions’ commitment to retaining and rewarding their own players. Reeves-Maybin’s return and subsequent stellar season serve as a testament to this organizational priority. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of recognizing his contributions, both on and off the field, particularly as a special teams standout and a mentor within the team, aspects that often go unnoticed by casual fans.
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