Former Lions All-Pro without a job clearly deserves a training camp invite

It wasn't too long ago that former Detroit Lions linebacker and special teams ace Jalen Reeves-Maybin was heading to the Pro Bowl and earning All-Pro second-team honors. In fact, it was just two years ago that he tied for the league lead in special teams tackles while simultaneously leading the Lions' fake punt conversions with designed runs and passes.

His special teams contributions went way deeper than the boxscore—considered the leader, he was voted team captain and also elected NFLPA President in 2024. However, not all good things can last.

While his special teams' success steered him towards postseason awards, his true linebacker duties never fully came to fruition. Over his eight professional seasons (seven in Detroit and one in Houston), Reeves-Maybin registered only 221 tackles, most of which came on special teams. After a pretty non-existent and injury-riddled 2024 season in Detroit, general manager Brad Holmes decided to cut ties with the eight-year vet.

Maybe his neck injury suffered last season has scared some teams off, but the 30-year-old is just two years removed from being considered one of the best special teamers in the league. Teams are constantly trying to find effort and grit guys on the coverage team, so it's objectively wild Reeves-Maybin is still available in free agency. However you slice it, the guy deserves a training camp invite.

The lack of attention Jalen Reeves-Maybin is getting makes no sense

What team doesn't need a proven, veteran leader on special teams who can sprinkle in some quality linebacker depth in a pinch? The answer is every team needs one of those guys. So, what gives?

The Lions moved on from Reeves-Maybin in a cost-saving move. His release freed up roughly $2 million in cap space. Aside from that, his neck injury surely spooked the team. After missing seven games, he did come back to play the final three. However, the severity of the injury could have raised concerns about his long-term health and availability. Additionally, Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, Derrick Barnes, and Malcolm Rodriguez occupy nearly all of the air space in the linebackers room, so it's not that hard to see why they moved on.

Add depth guys like Grant Stuard and Trevor Nowaske to the equation, and that room gets crowded quickly.

Still, it's hard to picture a world where the Lions wouldn't welcome him back if they got the assurances they were looking for. With upwards of $40 million in cap space, bringing him back wouldn't be all that outrageous. It's not looking likely, but he's familiar with the system, and his former LB coach just became the new defensive coordinator. There seems to be very little risk involved.

Whether or not the Lions pounce on the opportunity to bring him back, you'd figure some other team in the league values his special teams and veteran leadership qualities enough to give him at least a training camp shot.

All things considered, there’s no excuse for him not to be in a camp this summer.