Vikings Expected to Sign Jets’ Underrated $58 Million Free Agent
The Minnesota Vikings have several key positions to address during the 2025 offseason, and their cornerback situation is certainly one of the priorities.
The Vikings struggled with one of the league’s worst pass defenses in 2024, allowing 242 yards per game. Additionally, they have three cornerbacks set to hit free agency: Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore, and Shaquil Griffin. While it’s uncertain whether any of these players will return, the Vikings have a chance to improve by signing New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed, who some fans believe could end up in Minnesota, according to Vikings Territory.
Reed, who signed a three-year, $33 million deal with the Jets in 2022, has quietly established himself as one of the NFL’s most underrated cornerbacks, often overshadowed by his teammate Sauce Gardner. Over his three years with New York, Reed allowed a 60.1% completion rate and a passer rating of 83.3. In 2024, he gave up a 57.1% completion rate and a passer rating of 87.1.
So, why would the Jets let him go? One reason is that Gardner will soon require a big contract, and the team recently signed slot corner Michael Carter to a lucrative deal. Additionally, Reed has expressed his desire to move on after what he described as a difficult three-year tenure with the franchise. “I’m ready to go to free agency, bro,” Reed told Tyler Dunne of Go Long. “I’m ready to see what’s next for me.”
Given that Brian Flores has a strong track record of maximizing his players’ potential, there’s optimism that Reed could perform even better under his coaching. If Reed and Murphy (should he be re-signed) team up, the Vikings would have a dynamic cornerback duo to rely on.
According to Spotrac, Reed is projected to land a four-year, $58.6 million deal, with $14.7 million guaranteed. It’s possible his value could rise, considering he will be one of the top cornerbacks available. Fortunately for the Vikings, they are in a solid position to make this happen, as they are projected to have $58 million in cap space for the 2025 season, according to Over the Cap.