Lions free-agent profile: Garrett Reynolds

To get ready for free agency, we're going to take a look at each of the Detroit Lions' 2015 free agents. Next up is offensive guard Garrett Reynolds.

2014 stats

10 games (4 starts) | Allowed 3 sacks, 2 QB hits, 4 QB hurries (via Pro Football Focus)

How he joined the Lions

Signed as a free agent in September 2014 (after first signing in July 2014).

Case for re-signing him

Reynolds' versatility proved to be extremely valuable in 2014. He initially joined the team as an offensive guard, and he was brought back just days after the first game of the season as an offensive tackle. He immediately stepped in as the starting right tackle due to injuries to the Lions' starter and backup, and he helped keep things afloat on the O-line throughout the season with various players going down. Considering he should be a cheap option, the Lions could do a lot worse than Reynolds from a depth standpoint.

Case against re-signing him

Although Reynolds was versatile, there was a noticeable drop-off when he was in the game at right tackle in 2014. I guess that makes sense considering Reynolds wasn't at his normal position and was the Lions' third-stringer, but undrafted rookie Cornelius Lucas jumped him on the depth chart at tackle as the season progressed. It's true that Reynolds is a better fit at guard, but part of being versatile is being able to perform well at multiple positions. If that's what the Lions want out of a backup offensive lineman, then there may be better options out there.

Final verdict

Considering the Lions don't really have any proven depth at guard, it would be wise to re-sign Reynolds. As mentioned earlier, he should be a cheap option, and the fact that he can slide outside to tackle if needed is valuable considering how many injuries the Lions dealt with on the O-line last season. Guard is certainly a better fit for Reynolds, but having someone with experience at multiple positions on the offensive line is important for when emergency situations arise on game day.

Previously: QB Dan Orlovsky, QB Kellen Moore, FB Jed Collins, WR Jeremy Ross, TE Kellen Davis, OT Corey Hilliard, OG Rob Sims