Ranking potential external options for Detroit Lions to replace Josh Reynolds

3. JuJu Smith-Schuster

As of this writing, Smith-Schuster is still a New England Patriot. But there's been plenty of talk in about him as a cut candidate. After an injury-hampered first season with the Patriots (29 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown in 11 games), and even without the ability to clear cap space, it makes a lot of sense for a team that's looking to reset with younger players.

Smith-Schuster had a fine season with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 (78 receptions for 933 yards and three touchdowns). Chalk that up to the Patrick Mahomes effect if you want, but as Mike Payton of AtoZ Sports noted he brings a lot of the same qualities to the table that Reynolds did/does. New England also had an awful pass offense last year, which deserves mention.

Payton also noted how the Rams, with Lions' general manager Brad Holmes as their director of college scouting then, showed a lot of interest in Smith-Schuster heading into the 2017 draft. The Steelers took Smith-Schuster seven picks before they took Cooper Kupp, so it worked out in the end.

Smith-Schuster should have multiple suitors if/when the Patriots let him go, including a potential reunion with the Steelers. The Lions could easily be in that mix too.