While most of the Detroit Lions’ offense will return intact from the 2023, season there has been one loss.
Josh Reynolds, the Lions second-leading receiver among wide receivers, signed as a free agent with the Denver Broncos.
Reynolds had 40 receptions for 608 yards, which was only bettered by star Amon-Ra St. Brown as far as Detroit’s wideouts are concerned. Reynolds also had five touchdown catches.
But the further development of running back Jahmyr Gibbs as a receiver could make up for Reynolds’ loss.
Gibbs had 945 yards rushing as a rookie last season along with 52 receptions for 316 yards and a touchdown. But that was mostly as a check-down target.
The Lions think Gibbs can become a more complete receiver.
“Now, what we need him to do from a passing-game standpoint is go to the next level,” Detroit running backs coach Scottie Montgomery told reporters via 97.1 The Ticket. “I do think there’s a certain difference between a really efficient check-down vs. a great route runner, a guy that can run all types of choice (routes).
“We know we’ve seen him do those things. But now you can go into the slot and a little bit more down the field, some intermediate stuff. Can we continue to grow him there, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
The Lions two leading pass catchers in 2023 were St. Brown with 119 receptions and rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, who had 86.