The Baltimore Ravens or Kansas City Chiefs may pursue Lions trade candidate running back, Craig Reynolds this upcoming season. According to a report, one source suggests that Detroit should shop Reynolds since he’ll probably be trade value for any team that needs depth. However, the veteran has been a major contributor to the Lions offense for the past three seasons but there’s competition for the No. 3 position behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Rookie fourth-rounder Sione Vaki is now in the mix for snaps and he’s been outperforming Reynolds this preseason so this means the chances of putting him on the trade block are high.
It would open more opportunities for younger players at the position but the source says the Lions could get a good amount in return since teams are looking for versatile depth pieces. This spells true even though Reynolds didn’t start a singular game last season, he was still able to provide value behind Montgomery and Gibbs whenever they were dealing with injuries. Reynolds is also a vital piece for special teams after playing a career-high 211 snaps in that category so he can pretty much do more than the average running back. While Reynolds is a valuable veteran, Vaki could offer more since he has safety experience and could probably even be more versatile.
The Chiefs may still be in the market for a running back considering they don’t have any reliability behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire. This is that Jerick McKinnon had a better year last season with them but they’re looking to bring him back. However, Baltimore should be adding more talent around Derrick Henry since he does have a strong history of injuries. A busted Keaton Mitchell isn’t coming to rescue this offense on its feet consistently.
Ravens, Chiefs May Pursue Lions Trade Candidate Craig Reynolds
Other Potential Trade Candidates
Los Angeles Chargers
Joshua Kelley is surprisingly a better running back with plenty of potential since J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards have problems with staying healthy. This means the chances of an injury happening with one of these offensive weapons are high so that means they’re going to need some depth midseason. Jim Harbaugh wants to build a strong running game but it seems like they have a higher chance if Kelley moves up the depth to allow another piece like Reynolds to come in to play a valuable depth role. Reynolds is no starter but he can help carry some snaps to help aid the entire backfield.
It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone if Kelley moves up and they decide to move on from either Dobbins or Edwards in the next couple of seasons. This would open the door for a trade and that means Reynolds could be brought in a trade on a bargain.
Carolina Panthers
The backfield is solid for Bryce Young this upcoming season since the Panthers were able to give him a legit offensive supporting cast this offseason. However, since Rashaad Penny is retiring and Miles Sanders is likely on the chopping block next offseason, it could be safe to trade for a versatile piece like Reynolds. Jonathon Brooks is a solid incoming rookie but it’s going to take a couple of years before he can get adjusted. Chuba Hubbard will be the starter for a few more years and Brooks could take over and the battle for the No. 3 position may very well come down to Sanders and Reynolds.
Sanders would likely be in a new uniform by that time so it makes sense to bring a cheap trade-value piece like Reynolds to complete the depth chart for the backfield.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are surprisingly making some late moves before the regular season but nothing for the offense. They have Ezekiel Elliott coming back but he isn’t in his prime anymore so that leaves Rico Dowdle and Royce Freeman who is already on the chopping block. Deuce Vaughn has many years ahead of him before he can be a reliable starter so it might be valuable for them to add a Reynolds in the backfield for cheap. The Cowboys probably won’t have to give any less than a future fifth-round pick for him.
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