Patently unlikely free agent target proposed for Lions to replace Josh Reynolds

Even before his free agent visit to wrap up the second week of free agency, the idea wide receiver Josh Reynolds will not be back with the Detroit Lions is not fresh or revolutionary. It's not out of the question they'll look to sign a free agent to replace him, since re-signing Donovan Peoples-Jones isn't a move that says they're done adding at the position.

The notion of the Lions taking a wide receiver early in April's draft is gaining steam the more time goes on.

But free agency can still bear good fruit right now, as players who have lingered available find homes. But recent developments with Cameron Sutton, which led to his release, may push cornerback to the top of the free agency agenda for the Lions.

Still, the idea of adding a piece to a good offense isn't going to totally go away.

Incredibly unlikely free agent target proposed for Lions to replace Josh Reynolds

Christian D'Andrea of USA TODAY's For The Win has a new list suggesting landing spots for 11 remaining free agents, the top-11 remaining from the site's top-101 2024 free agents to be exact. The Lions easily land on that type of radar, since they haven't spent that much money in free agency. But the player for them, No. 6 on the list of 11, is a little too far out in left field.

WR Odell Beckham Jr.: Detroit Lions

"Should Beckham rank this high after a 31-catch season at 31 years old? His yards per catch (16.1) and yards per target (8.8) both say yes, even if the bulk of his output came in a five-game stretch from November to early December.

"It’s important to place expectations on any OBJ signing. He’s a useful WR3 who can rise up as the second guy on a quarterback’s wish list, but he’s long removed from his days of stardom. That would make him a strong fit for the Lions, who need another intermediate range target to fit between Amon-Ra St. Brown’s short-range wizardry and Jameson Williams’ budding deep skills. He’d be a proper replacement for Josh Reynolds, whose 10.9 yards before catch in 2023 were right on par with Beckham’s 11.7."

Beckham had a visit to the Miami Dolphins this week that reportedly went well. The New York Jets were in the market for a receiver with some rumored interest in Beckham, but they've since signed former Charger Mike Williams. Other than that, it's been fairly quiet.

Beckham still has stretches where he's very good, but it's very fleeting as he's crossed into his 30s and injuries have been a thing. His name is far greater than his game at this point, but he most surely sees himself as more than a replacement for someone like Reynolds.

Beckham won't be getting the same kind of one-year deal he got from the Ravens last offseason ($15 million) this offseason. But regardless of the price point, the fit is strained with the Lions and he's not likely on their radar at all.