Reeves-Maybin is a backup linebacker and special teams ace, most recently earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors for his special teams efforts in 2023. The 30-year-old player will likely find a suitor on the open market though he is also the president of the NFLPA, and can likely transition to a career in player advocacy at any time.

As NFL Networks’ Mike Garafolo notes, Reeves-Maybin becomes the highest-paid “core special-teamer ever” with this new deal. The seven-year vet was named Second-Team All-Pro and voted to the Pro Bowl for his efforts this past season, and converted two key fourth downs on fake punt plays during the regular season for the Lions. He was set to hit free agency in a few weeks but will now be under contract with the Lions through 2025.

Reeves-Maybin was set to enter the final season of his two-year, $7.5 million contract, but the Texans cut him a week before free agency opened. He appeared in all 17 games for Houston last year, logging 15 tackles and a fumble recovery. Reeves-Maybin got most of his run on special teams in 2022 and that will likely be his role in Detroit.

The Texans signed Reeves-Maybin to a two-year, $7.5 million contract just days into free agency last season. After one year with the team, the Texans will now cut Reeves-Maybin, who appeared in 17 games while registering 15 tackles. Houston will save $3.5 million against the cap next season but also absorb a $2 million dead cap hit.