The Detroit Lions have big expectations heading into the 2025-26 NFL season, but one new addition to the roster is drawing concern — and even the word sabotage.
Veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, signed this offseason from the New York Jets to a three-year, $48 million deal, is being called a potential risk to Detroit’s long-term growth. In a July 6 article for Detroit Rock City, analyst Joe Summers said Reed “may accidentally wind up sabotaging the team from within.”
It’s not that Reed has been a bad player. In fact, he ranked 42nd out of 222 qualified cornerbacks last year, according to Pro Football Focus. But Summers argues that Reed is entering the danger zone for NFL corners — he turns 29 this season — and his numbers have already started to slip. His 87.1 passer rating allowed in coverage last season was his worst since 2019.
Summers points to examples like L’Jarius Sneed, once a top-tier performer who is now struggling with the Tennessee Titans, as a cautionary tale.
Even more concerning for Detroit fans is the potential impact on the development of young corners like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. With Reed expected to start, there’s a chance his presence on the field could limit opportunities for those promising rookies.
“The Lions’ margin for error got a lot smaller this offseason,” Summers notes, after the team lost Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow to retirement and both coordinators to other teams.
Still, the outlook isn’t all negative. Reed brings veteran leadership and experience to a young secondary. If he performs well and mentors the younger players, the move could pay off. But if his production dips — or he holds back the development of others — the signing could backfire.
For now, all eyes will be on Reed as he looks to prove he’s not a liability, but a leader in Detroit’s playoff push.
