D.J. Reed was among the high-profile free agents who secured new deals as free agency kicked off on Monday.
With the legal tampering period underway, several signings happened swiftly, including Reed’s. The veteran cornerback turned his strong 2024 season into a lucrative three-year, $48 million contract with the Detroit Lions, which includes $32 million in guaranteed money.
Though Reed is undoubtedly thrilled about his new opportunity and contract, he took a moment to express his appreciation for his time with the Jets through social media.
“MAN, I AM GRATEFUL TO HAVE EXPERIENCED BEING A NY JET! I WAS ABLE TO START MY FAMILY THERE & PLAY SOME GOOD FOOTBALL OVER THE LAST 3 YEARS. I WANT TO THANK THE JOHNSONS FOR CHANGING MY LIFE. I WANT TO THANK MY COACHES AS WELL AS MY TREATMENT PEOPLE. I WANT TO THANK MY TEAMMATES; YOU GUYS HAVE A BROTHER IN ME FOREVER. WE MADE LIGHT OUT OF TOUGH SITUATIONS & I WILL ALWAYS APPRECIATE THAT. I WANT TO THANK MY SUPPORTERS & I APPRECIATE YOU GUYS FOR THIS EXPERIENCE.”
During the 2024 season, Reed recorded 64 total tackles, four tackles for loss, and 11 pass breakups. His contributions helped the Jets rank third in the league in passing yards allowed per game, and he earned a solid 70.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
Reed’s NFL journey began with the San Francisco 49ers, where he primarily served as a backup before being waived and claimed by the Seattle Seahawks in 2020.
With the Seahawks, he developed into a reliable starting corner, registering two interceptions in each of his two seasons there. His performance led to a three-year, $33 million contract with the Jets in 2022.
Over his three-year stint in New York, Reed accumulated 220 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 32 pass deflections, and two interceptions. Though often playing alongside star cornerback Sauce Gardner, Reed proved himself as one of the league’s most underappreciated defensive backs.
Now, Reed moves to a Detroit squad aiming for a Super Bowl push in 2025. He is expected to step into a key role on the outside, filling the void left by Carlton Davis, who signed with the New England Patriots.
Reed will join a revamped Lions secondary that includes 2024 first-round selection Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. With only the Jacksonville Jaguars surrendering more passing yards than Detroit last season, Reed’s presence will be a significant boost to their defensive unit.
