The Detroit Lions have garnered positive feedback for securing cornerback D.J. Reed.
Before free agency, the former 49ers, Seahawks, and Jets defensive back was regarded as one of the top players available at his position.
ESPN NFL analyst Mina Kimes expressed admiration for Detroit’s ability to sign a player of Reed’s caliber.
” This is one of my favorite signings so far in free agency,” Kimes remarked. “Starting with the value, you saw the Jaycee Horn deal coming in. This is a bargain, honestly, well outside the top 10 in average pay for cornerbacks. D.J. Reed has been underrated wherever he’s played, and yet he’s only 28. He can play man and zone coverage.
“He also allows the Lions to continue developing their young corners. I think about Ennis Rakestraw coming off an injury. It’s a great mix of young talent and a veteran in Reed,” Kimes continued. “To me, this was a home-run signing, and it helps them avoid reaching for a cornerback in the draft. I really like this.”
Although Reed played across from Sauce Gardner in New York, he still managed to break up plenty of passes.
Reed thrived in zone coverage, but many believe his ability to track the ball and excel in pass coverage will fit well in Detroit’s man-coverage scheme.
Crucially, he isn’t afraid of physical play and is a solid tackler. In 2024, he posted a 12.1% missed tackle rate. Detroit’s coaching staff will value his recognition of play patterns and ability to defend the run.
As reported by Sports Illustrated, Reed “has developed into one of the league’s top corners. In New York, he thrived under former coach Robert Saleh, starting 29 games opposite Sauce Gardner. With the Lions now having their version of Gardner, Reed will be tasked with covering the opponent’s top receiver, a new challenge he seems ready to tackle.”
Most analysts believe Reed will be a strong fit in Detroit’s locker room culture.
NFL reporter Albert Breer highlighted, “Ex-Jets CB DJ Reed is headed to Detroit—a great culture guy who should be a perfect fit for the Lions, and excellent for young corners Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. The Giants were interested too but ended up with ex-Saint Paulson Adebo instead.”