Josh Reynolds ‘ free agency exit created some questions about the Lions’ No. 3 wide receiver spot, with Jameson Williams expected to play a bigger role this season. Donovan Peoples-Jones loomed as a contender, but he will fall well short of winning the gig.
The Lions, who traded for Peoples-Jones last year, are planning to release him, veteran reporter Jordan Schultz tweets
. Peoples-Jones had loomed on Detroit’s roster bubble, per the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett
, and he will pass straight to free agency as a vested veteran.
[RELATED: Offseason In Review: Detroit Lions]
Detroit re-signed Peoples-Jones this offseason (one year, $1.3MM ) but only guaranteed the former Cleveland sixth-rounder $125K. The latter figure will turn into a small dead money hit for the Lions, who were unable to coax much from the Michigan alum. In eight games last season, Peoples-Jones caught only five passes for 58 yards.
A Detroit native, Peoples-Jones became a solid option for a multiyear period in Cleveland. After a 597-yard 2021 season, he played well during the 2022 slate by racking up 839 receiving yards and three touchdown catches. The Browns added Elijah Moore via trade in 2023, and Peoples-Jones’ production declined. He only caught eight passes during his Browns contract year, and Cleveland moved on by collecting a 2025 sixth-round pick at the deadline.
While the Browns’ receiving corps changed from its Odell Beckham Jr. –Jarvis Landry makeup to an Amari Cooper -fronted group during Peoples-Jones’ tenure, the Lions are not making many changes this offseason. Amon-Ra St. Brown signed a monster extension, and the team is ready to see if Williams can finally take a step forward as a No. 2 option. The team has veteran Kalif Raymond as a lead WR3 candidate, though Dan Campbell said early in camp the Lions were in need of someone to step up as the clear-cut WR3.
Raymond appears the best bet to fill that role, Birkett adds, but the Lions have some questions beyond that. While Peoples-Jones would be eligible to return as a practice squad option, no indications have emerged that will be in play for the Lions.