JUST IN:Lions thrilled to retain foundational piece, NFL’s ‘best special teams player’

Indianapolis, Indiana.Dan Campbell witnessed Jalen Reeves-Maybin depart the Detroit Lions for the Houston Texans in free agency during his first season as head coach.

And after speaking with Campbell at the league’s scouting combine on Tuesday morning, it’s evident how crucial re-signing Reeves-Maybin was to the regime this time around.

Reeves-Maybin and the Lions have agreed to a contract deal that will allegedly make the linebacker the league’s highest-paid core special teams player. NFL Network reports. Reeves-Maybin’s deal is for two years and valued up to $8 million, with $5.245 million guaranteed.And the money was earned in 2023. The 29-year-old was elected captain of the club and made his first Pro Bowl appearance. He led the league in special teams tackles (13). He also played a role on passing downs and third downs for Detroit late in the season, increasing his worth to the team’s still-developing defence.

“I think it’s huge,” Campbell remarked in Indianapolis. “JRM was one of those players who was a key player for us and the finest special teams player in the league. To be able to get him back. He was alive in 2021. Then he became a free agent, moved to Houston, and we were able to re-sign him last year, with the production he provided and all he could contribute to us as a core player.Reeves-Maybin does not have a clear path to regular playing time in the team’s suddenly crowded linebacker corps. However, it’s difficult to overlook the depth he provides behind Alex Anzalone, Derrick Barnes, and 2022 first-round pick Jack Campbell as another piece in that multiple room.

However, his defensive performance down the stretch makes him a standout player to watch. Reeves-Maybin played only 92 defensive snaps throughout the regular season. However, it is crucial to remember that he has double-digit defensive reps in eight of the team’s last nine games, which is not insignificant. His reputation as a seasoned veteran who is familiar with the staff and system helps him fit in with the still-young locker room.

Furthermore, Pro Football Focus ranked Reeves-Maybin as Detroit’s second-highest graded defender during the regular season and postseason, ignoring snap constraints.

Campbell was questioned why it was so important to keep someone who may be considered a depth player from the outside looking in at the Lions. The head coach reiterated his support for Reeves-Maybin and the linebacker’s importance to the squad as a returning captain.

Campbell also stated that he and general manager Brad Holmes believe strongly in stacking depth because, as they have discovered, injuries happen in the NFL. However, Campbell emphasizes that it is still all about the culture and the fit, stating, “They’ve got to be the right guy. They have to be guys that fit a specific function.”

“I think it’s important because he’s a depth player. But he’s a starter on one of our core teams,” Campbell explained. “We play in three phases, and he’s the league’s best player in one of the three sections that help us win games. We don’t only play with two units. It was pivotal.

“And, clearly, the depth that he brings is significant. Because I and I know that if we need him, we can go out there and not miss a beat. He’s intelligent. He is physical. He’s rough. He is physical. He’s cunning. He’s a ball guy.

“But he can also help us defensively. Plays on a dime. Helps on third downs, rushes and covers. But being able to get him re-signed was crucial. He’s an essential component of what we do. I believe he is a part of the foundation.