The Detroit Lions did not appreciate veteran wide receiver Josh Reynolds enough to top a very modest contract offer from the Denver Broncos.

After it was initially claimed the veteran had departed Motown to sign a two-year, $14 million contract to play for Sean Payton, the true specifics reveal a price Detroit could have easily matched or beaten.

According to overthecap.com, the 29-year-old only has $4.5 million in guaranteed monies, and his pact is essentially a two-year deal for $9 million sans performance bonuses.

To part ways with Reynolds after one season would only cost Denver $4.5 million split over two years. The 29-year-old explained lately why he decided to sign with the rebuilding AFC squad.

“I’ve always been an admirer of head coach Sean Payton, Reynolds told writer Sydney Jones via Mile High Huddle. “Seeing him with the Saints for so long, I really adore his ingenuity. And I know he’s going to put fantastic people around the facility. I’m just looking forward to getting to work with him.”

When Amon-Ra St. Brown battled an abdominal injury, Reynolds stepped up and became a consistent target for veteran signal-caller Jared Goff. The couple had evident synergy, something that could not be missed this upcoming season.

“He and Goff are in unbelievable sync together,” Campbell told 97.1 The Ticket last season. “Goff’s got a very good grasp on what he’s doing from how he runs routes and comes out of them, and he trusts that he’s going to be where he’s meant to be. He is, right now, you can’t argue it, our most explosive receiver. The proof’s in the pudding.”

Detroit’s front staff likely felt Donovan Peoples-Jones, who signed a one-year, $1.3 million contract, could be a reliable substitute. Second-year wideout Antoine Green will likely also be given a look to win more playing time with targets going his way.

Interestingly, general manager Brad Holmes said at the annual league meetings that the team was still interested in negotiating with the veteran wideout and felt the two sides might still reach an agreement. Reynolds final game for Detroit was poor and included multiple drops against the San Francisco 49ers.

If Holmes and Detroit’s coaching staff respected the accomplishments made throughout his whole stay, reports would not have surfaced regarding the early offers being below market value.