After experiences recommended the Detroit Lions have been focusing on free-agent cornerbacks within the $12 million-per-year vary —and after seeing Carlton Davis III land a $20 million-per-year take care of the Patriots—it was a bit stunning to see D.J. Reed shortly comply with phrases with Detroit. Shocking, but in addition thrilling. Touchdown Reed at $4 million per yr lower than Davis III and $2 million per yr lower than Paulson Adebo represents robust Day 1 free company worth.
Following a season the place the secondary was the protection’s most constant unit, the Lions are making it a precedence to maintain it as a energy.
Right here’s how Reed will influence the 2025 Lions, how his signing shapes the remainder of the group’s offseason technique, and my grade for the transfer.
How good is D.J. Reed?
Reed signed a three-year, $33 million take care of the New York Jets in 2022 free company and shortly outperformed that affordable contract. Because the No. 2 cornerback reverse Sauce Gardner, he thrived in Robert Saleh’s press-man scheme, enjoying primarily as the suitable cornerback—just like Carlton Davis III in 2024—the place his aggressive nature took over.
Reed’s early NFL growth was stunted when the 49ers drafted him and moved him right into a hybrid safety-nickel function. That experiment led to his early launch in his third coaching camp, nevertheless it additionally highlighted one among his key strengths: tackling. That physicality—a serious requirement for Lions defensive backs—has remained a trademark of his sport.
Over the past 4 seasons (together with 2021 in Seattle), Reed has been persistently productive, beginning no less than 14 video games per yr at outdoors nook, logging over 880 snaps, recording no less than 9 go deflections, and incomes a 70.0+ PFF defensive grade every season. In response to PFF, he performed 156 snaps in man protection final yr (thirty fifth amongst all cornerbacks) and compelled six incompletions—tied for tenth, alongside Carlton Davis III and Amik Robertson—whereas permitting simply 10.2 yards per reception in man protection.
The truth that the Lions entrance workplace and defensive workers made Reed such a precedence speaks volumes about how priceless they imagine he’ll be in Detroit.
How does this have an effect on the Lions?
From a locker room standpoint, Reed brings a chip-on-his-shoulder mentality that aligns completely with the Lions’ tradition. A former Fresno State walk-on and Kansas State group captain in 2017, he provides one other veteran voice to a younger secondary.
On the sphere, Reed supplies stability as a beginning outdoors nook reverse Terrion Arnold, permitting the second-year participant to develop with out being thrown into the No. 1 cornerback deep finish too quickly (though he could be prepared). His presence additionally means the Lions gained’t must power Amik Robertson or Ennis Rakestraw Jr. into heavier outdoors cornerback roles early on. With Reed in place, Detroit’s secondary beneficial properties depth and flexibility, guaranteeing that Brian Department can stay a versatile chess piece at security relatively than being pushed again right into a full-time nickel function as nicely.
Locking in Reed early permits the Lions to shift their focus in free company and the draft, addressing different urgent wants—most notably, upgrading the defensive entrance. With the cornerback room now solidified, they’ll assault the remainder of the offseason with out feeling determined on the place.
Was he definitely worth the value?
ESPN’s Matt Bowen ranked D.J. Reed because the No. 1 general free agent and the highest cornerback available on the market. But, inside the first few hours of free company, two different corners—one a former Lion with sturdiness considerations (Davis), and the opposite a youthful participant recovering from a damaged femur (Adebo)—secured bigger contracts. That’s not even factoring in Jaycee Horn’s extension (four-years, $100M), which can pay him $9 million extra per yr than what the Lions are paying Reed.
Whereas the $16 million common annual wage might seem to be a slight overpay, and Reed’s $32 million in ensures is the biggest Brad Holmes has given an outdoor free agent, the deal is greater than affordable for a cornerback of Reed’s caliber. When the mud settles, Reed’s per-year wage gained’t even crack the highest 15 highest-paid cornerbacks. Extra importantly, he supplies a stabilizing veteran presence within the secondary—one nicely definitely worth the funding.
Ultimate ideas and grade
Grade: A-
Reed’s fluid hips and powerful work ethic lead me to imagine that he’ll transition nicely into the Lions protection. His addition additionally indicators that, beneath new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit will proceed to embrace its bully ball identification towards opposing talent gamers—one which helped the go protection excel in key areas like opponent passer ranking, on third downs, and within the red-zone final season.
With Reed within the combine, the Lions secondary ought to higher complement their go rush as they proceed making upgrades alongside the recovering Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill. This deal additionally presents monetary flexibility, because it doesn’t lock the group right into a long-term burden with greater contract extensions hitting the books for youthful core gamers. Moreover, it supplies a priceless veteran presence whereas permitting final yr’s high draft picks, Arnold and Rakestraw, to develop at their very own tempo.
