The Detroit Lions came away from the NFL Draft with a wealth of new talent, but not everyone is thrilled with the influx of fresh faces. While rookies are eager to prove themselves, veterans are more focused on keeping their jobs. This creates an intriguing competition leading up to the new season, a familiar sight across the NFL.
That competition doesn’t just affect the players currently on Detroit’s roster. Several former Lions are now fighting to hold off the incoming class of rookies and hang onto roster spots elsewhere in the league. The draft spares no one, and three ex-Lions could be facing unemployment as offseason battles begin.
1. Josh Reynolds, WR, Jets
Josh Reynolds, who started his NFL journey with the Rams, moved to Tennessee before landing in Detroit in 2021. In his time with the Lions, he totaled 97 catches, 1,393 yards, and 10 scores. In 2024, Reynolds took on a new challenge with the Broncos, signing a two-year deal worth $9 million.
But his year turned disastrous. After fracturing a finger, Reynolds was later injured in a shooting that struck his arm and grazed his head. Though injuries were minor, the Broncos released him in December, and he was briefly with the Jaguars before being let go again.
Looking for a familiar coach, Reynolds reunited with ex-Lions DC Aaron Glenn by signing with the Jets. His $2.75 million deal doesn’t secure a spot, though, especially after New York drafted Georgia burner Arian Smith in the fourth round.
Smith’s elite 4.36-second 40-yard dash makes him a serious threat to Reynolds’ role. If Smith impresses in camp, Reynolds could find himself demoted—or released outright—by summer’s end.
2. CB Kindle Vildor, Buccaneers
Kindle Vildor is aiming to start over with the Buccaneers, but his situation may be more challenging than expected. Drafted in the fifth round by the Bears in 2020, Vildor spent time with the Lions starting midway through 2023.
Although he’s seen time across several teams, Vildor hasn’t produced enough to stick anywhere. His 316 total snaps last season were underwhelming, with a 46.7 PFF grade. He also allowed 1.61 yards per slot coverage snap—on pace to tie for sixth-worst in the league had he played enough snaps.
These numbers explain why Detroit let him walk and why Tampa Bay only offered a one-year, $1.19 million deal. Things got tougher when the Bucs drafted Kansas State slot corner Jacob Parrish—known as a “slot demon”—in Round 5.
With both Tykee Smith and Parrish ahead of him, Vildor faces an uphill climb to make the final roster.
3. Starling Thomas V, Cardinals
One of the biggest draft surprises was Michigan CB Will Johnson’s slide out of the first round. Once viewed as a top-five lock, a knee concern caused him to tumble until the Cardinals stopped his fall at pick No. 47. While Johnson might have felt relief, Starling Thomas V likely felt dread.
After going undrafted out of UAB in 2023, Thomas was cut by Detroit but found a role with the Cardinals. He’s since played in 29 games, starting 22, and has become a regular on Arizona’s defense.
Still, the production hasn’t quite followed. He’s surrendered a 119.7 passer rating on 97 targets in his career, giving up 30 catches, 396 yards, and two scores on 51 targets last season. He has no interceptions and just five pass deflections on 246 coverage snaps.
Though there’s been some growth, Arizona investing in Johnson makes Thomas’ job less secure. With Johnson on board, Thomas could be demoted or find himself searching for another team.
