Formidable Defensive Star Signs with the Lions
Coming off of another season where the New York Jets struggled as a team with a low record of 5-12, they faced another challenge in the offseason; the possibility of losing their top cornerback, D.J. Reed, to free agency. After finishing his three-year, 33-million-dollar contract with the Jets, Reed decided that it was time to test the market. The cornerback has raised his stock, transforming from a late fifth-round draft pick to one of the premier corners in the league. As reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Reid was a highly sought-after free agent in the defensive back position with 10 teams looking to level up in this area. Now it has been reported by Dianna Russini that Reid and the Lions have agreed to a three-year deal as Reid looks to continue his defensive prowess for the Lions as they strive to be a winning organization.
Reed had a humble start to his NFL career. After being drafted in 2018, he spent two seasons with the 49ers where he accumulated 108 tackles and a sack within the 31 games he played. He was then waived by the 49ers in 2020 under a non-football injury designation. After being waived by the 49ers, Reed found his footing with the Seattle Seahawks, gaining a starting position in Pete Carroll’s secondary where he stayed for two seasons. Then, the chance to reunite with Robert Saleh led Reed to come to the New York Jets. There, he notched an overall grade of over 70 in three seasons. In 2024, he recorded a 51.28% lockdown rate, continuing a trend of standout play that defined his three years in New York, where he ranked in the 91st percentile among outside cornerbacks. Reed was a bright spot despite the Jets’ 14-season playoff drought. His most important asset with the Jets has been him being a vocal leader in the secondary. Reed’s presence on game days played a role in the rise of Sauce Gardner.
D.J. Reed's journey from an overlooked player in the NFL to one of the league's leading cornerbacks is a testament to his unwavering determination and skill. His consistent performance and impressive stats have made him a sought-after player in free agency. Numerous NFL teams were in need of bolstering their secondary with his talent. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Reed continues to impact the game and contribute to the Lions success.
