The Detroit Lions have reached an agreement with experienced cornerback D.J. Reed on a substantial three-year contract valued at $48 million, which includes $32 million guaranteed. The deal emerged on Monday, although it is essential to note that the terms cannot be officially inked until Wednesday, marking the start of the free agency signing period.
The announcement coincided with the opening of the NFL’s legal tampering period, permitting agents to negotiate potential deals.
In a strategic move following the departure of cornerback Carlton Davis to the New England Patriots for a $60 million, three-year agreement, Lions General Manager Brad Holmes elected to strengthen the defense by acquiring Reed. This decision illustrates the team’s commitment to investing in experienced talent to enhance their defensive lineup.
Additionally, Holmes made a significant roster change by releasing 32-year-old defensive end Za’Darius Smith later that day. Smith, who was acquired from the Cleveland Browns during last season’s trade deadline, was added to the Lions’ roster to fortify their pass rush during Aidan Hutchinson’s absence. In his time with Detroit, Smith managed to record four sacks in nine games, including a sack in the divisional round where the Lions, as the top seed, eventually succumbed to Washington.
Welcomed into a secondary lineup consisting of second-year players like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, along with seasoned player Amik Robertson, the 28-year-old Reed adds veteran presence and stability. Reed’s impressive track record includes starting in games for five consecutive seasons, particularly his 46-start stint with the New York Jets over the past three years. Last season, he demonstrated exceptional defensive capability by allowing merely two touchdowns and restricting opposing quarterbacks to a completion rate of 46.3% against his coverage.
Having commenced his professional journey with the San Francisco 49ers as a fifth-round pick from Kansas State in 2018, Reed transitioned between teams, including a significant spell with the Seattle Seahawks. During his tenure at Seattle, he clocked four interceptions and started 22 games before moving to the Jets under a $33 million, three-year contract in 2022.
