The Detroit Lions have one of the best running back situations in the NFL thanks to the duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. And, they have a pretty good situation with their backups, also.
While Craig Reynolds and rookie Sione Vaki figure to fill out the final two spots on the depth chart when final cuts are made, the Lions also have Jermar Jefferson, who has been having a good offseason and would likely make the roster if not for Reynolds and Vaki standing out, also.
With the Lions having multiple attractive depth options at the position, Bleacher Report's Ryan Fowler believes Detroit should put Reynolds on the trade block before the start of the season. Here's what he wrote:
With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs fully entrenched as the starters, and rookie fourth-rounder Sione Vaki now in the mix for carries, Reynolds' role looks to be minimal this fall.
Moving Reynolds could open up roster spots for younger players at other positions. He also could return a sneaky amount of value with teams consistently looking for versatile depth pieces at the running back position.
It's certainly not crazy to think that a team could come calling for Reynolds before the start of the season, but the Lions won't just give him away. After all, he's the most experienced back Detroit has on the bench by a lot.
Montgomery and Gibbs missed multiple games last season, so it's certainly not out of the realm of possibility that happens again. Reynolds offers a solid insurance policy that may be more valuable to a team with Super Bowl aspirations than a late-round pick would be.
In order for the Lions to consider dealing Reynolds, they'd have to be confident in the rookie Vaki and Jefferson, who has just seven career games under his belt and hasn't taken a snap in the NFL since 2021.
Never say never, but chances are the Lions are going to hold on to Reynolds.
