Trade suggestion would represent major risk for Lions' offense

Craig Reynolds can be an easy player to overlook, dismiss and even try to replace on the Detroit Lions' roster. But despite some competition for his job, again, he has by all accounts had a strong training camp to solidify himself as the Lions' No. 3 running back.

After sticking with the Lions a few years back, Reynolds has capably filled in an offensive role when called upon and generally been the kind of "do whatever's needed" guy the coaching staff loves. His value isn't necessarily always outwardly tangible, but it's there.

Bleacher Report's Ryan Fowler has put together a list of players who he believes should be on the trading block for every team. Reynolds was the choice for the Lions.

"A small-school standout out of Kutztown, Craig Reynolds has been a great story since he entered the league."

"However, the current depth chart of running back talent in Detroit could work against his role ever increasing for head coach Dan Campbell."

"With David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs fully entrenched as the starters, and rookie fourth-rounder Sione Vaki now in the mix for carries, Reynolds' role looks to be minimal this fall."

"Moving Reynolds could open up roster spots for younger players at other positions. He also could return a sneaky amount of value with teams consistently looking for versatile depth pieces at the running back position."

Trading Craig Reynolds would be major risk for the Lions

Jahmy Gibb and David Montgomery each missed a few games last season. But neither was sidelined for a long stretch, so the Lions avoided an injury crisis at running back.

Will the Lions be that lucky again in 2024? Gibbs' hamstring injury is apparently not as bad as it could have been, so that proverbial bullet has been dodged.

Without Reynolds behind Gibbs and Montgomery, who would the Lions rely on if need be? It's unlikely Jermar Jefferson could shoulder a big workload. Zonovan Knight has upside, but he is largely unproven. Rookie Sione Vaki looked impressive in the preseason opener, but he's still learning the running back position.

The Lions should, and likely will, simply hang on to Reynolds rather than entertain trading him. He's been a quality teammate, and the upside of dealing him feels low all the way around.