Detroit Lions’ Craig Reynolds Faces Contract Year, Readies for RFA Decision in 2025

Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds is entering 2025 facing a pivotal offseason as a restricted free agent (RFA), with the team needing to decide on tendering him a contract offer.

Reynolds, known for his contributions on both offense and special teams, has been a valuable part of the Lions’ roster. In 2024, Reynolds played in all 17 games, contributing 139 rushing yards on 31 carries13. He also played 285 snaps on special teams, third-most on the team. Throughout his career with the Lions, Reynolds has been praised for his contributions and hard work.

As an RFA, the Lions hold some control over Reynolds’ future. To retain him, they can offer him a qualifying tender, which would give them the right to match any offer he receives from another team. The most likely tender the Lions could offer is the original-round/right-of-first-refusal tender. This means the Lions can match any offer Reynolds gets from another team, but would receive no compensation if they decline to do so. In 2024, the right-of-first-refusal tender was valued at $2.985 million. It is almost guaranteed that the Lions will bring him back because he’s such a big part of the culture.

While this tender would represent a significant pay raise for Reynolds, who earned $1.125 million in 2024, it would also commit the Lions to paying him that salary for 2025. The Lions could also choose not to offer Reynolds a tender, which would make him an unrestricted free agent.

With the relatively high cost of tender offers, the Lions may be hesitant to commit that much money to their No. 3 running back. Ultimately, the Lions’ decision on Reynolds will depend on their evaluation of his value to the team and their overall salary cap situation.