The Detroit Lions are entering next season as one of the NFL’s top teams, but that hasn’t stopped them from making some tough roster decisions this offseason. One of the more notable moves was parting ways with linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who played a key role on special teams.
Reeves-Maybin spent seven of his eight NFL seasons with Detroit and earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2023. However, after a less productive year, the Lions opted to move on from the two-year, $7.5 million deal he signed last offseason. His release has already prompted one team leader to express their feelings about the departure.
The Detroit Lions are one of the best teams in the NFL heading into next season, but it hasn’t prevented them from making some difficult decisions this offseason. One of those moves was releasing linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin, who had a prominent role on special teams.
Reeves-Maybin spent seven of his eight seasons in Detroit and made a Pro Bowl and All-Pro team back in 2023. But after a down year, the Lions decided to get out from a two-year, $7.5 million contract signed last offseason and the departure already has one Lions leader admitting his feelings.
Lions Linebacker Alex Anzalone Has Emotional Reaction to Jalen Reeves-Maybin’s Release
Alex Anzalone reacted to the news of Reeves-Maybin’s release on social media with a heartfelt response. Quoting the team’s announcement on X, Anzalone replied with a broken heart emoji and a sad face, clearly showing his disappointment over the move.
As one of the leaders of Detroit’s defense, it’s unlikely Alex Anzalone will request a trade, but his reaction underscores just how much Jalen Reeves-Maybin meant to the team during his time with the Lions.
Originally selected by Detroit in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Reeves-Maybin’s standout year came in 2021. That season, he started 11 games and tallied 82 total tackles, including four for a loss, along with four passes defended and two forced fumbles. His impressive performance earned him a two-year, $7.5 million contract with the Houston Texans, although that stint lasted only one season before his release.
In a twist of fate, Reeves-Maybin’s return to Detroit proved beneficial. He appeared in all 17 games for the Lions, posting 20 tackles, a tackle for loss, and a sack. However, it was his standout play on special teams that earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. His success led to another contract with the Lions, but a neck injury midway through last season limited him to just 10 games, ultimately resulting in his release.
By cutting Reeves-Maybin, the Lions freed up $2 million in cap space. Still, for a team that has built strong chemistry over the past two seasons, his absence will be felt in the locker room.
