Last week, the Detroit Lions signed Jalen Reeves-Maybin to a two-year contract that was described as the largest ever given to a mostly special teams player. Given his late-season defensive contributions, I don’t think that’s quite fair to classify Reeves-Maybin, but it’s a reasonable contract for the veteran.
This Monday, Over The Cap unveiled the complete specifics of Reeves-Maybin’s contract, revealing a deal that is both profitable to the player yet far from suffocating for Detroit. Let’s have a look.
Jalen Reeves Maybin signed a two-year contract worth $7.5 million, including a guaranteed amount of $5.245 million in 2024.
$1.245 million salary (guaranteed).
$2.5 million signing bonus (prorated to $1.25 million per year).
$500,000 roster bonus.
Gameday roster bonus: $255,000 ($15,000 per game).
Cap hit is $3.25 million.
Dead cap if reduced: $5.425 million.
2025:
$2.745 million compensation ($1 million guaranteed).
$1.25 million prorated signing bonus
Gameday roster bonus: $255,000 ($15,000 per game).
Cap hit: $4.25 million.
Dead cap if cut: $2.25 million.
Interestingly, this contract is quite similar to the one Reeves-Maybin received from the Houston Texans two years ago. He signed a two-year, $7.5 million contract worth $5 million guaranteed. His signing bonus was lower ($1.5 million), but his salary were greater ($2.25 million and $3.25 million). However, Reeves-Maybin only saw one of those years, as the Texans released him in 2023, incurring a $2 million dead cap.
The Lions might take a similar approach to Reeves-Maybin’s contract. In his debut season, he has a comparatively low $3.25 million cap cost. To put that in perspective, Jeremy Reaves, who was named first-team All-Pro on special teams last year, signed a one-year, $2.6 million contract with the Commanders the following year.
And, while Reeves-Maybin’s cap cost increases by another million in 2025, it is still a reasonable amount to pay on a special teamer who also contributes routinely on defense. However, if the Lions decide they need more cap room next year, they can save $2 million by removing him. But it’s worth repeating that the Lions greatly love Reeves-Maybin:
“He was a core player for us, and he’s the best special teams player in the league,” coach Dan Campbell said during the NFL Combine this week. “To be able to bring 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.
“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. “In my opinion, he is part of the foundation.”
Notably, the Lions added no vacant years to Maybin’s contract. This is something the Lions have done a lot of recently, but with the unexpected $30 million cap hike this year, the Lions may be ready to take on a bit more cap burden in the coming year or two.
