Detroit Lions Sign Cornerback D.J. Reed in Free Agency
In a move that is sure to bolster their defense, the Detroit Lions have officially announced the signing of veteran cornerback D.J. Reed, who spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets. The Lions made the announcement just minutes ago, adding a seasoned and highly regarded player to their secondary. This move marks a significant step in the team’s efforts to strengthen its defense as they look to improve upon their performance from the previous season.
Reed, who played college football at the University of Kansas State before entering the NFL, has developed into one of the league’s more reliable cornerbacks since being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. After two years in San Francisco, Reed joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2020, where his career truly began to take off. He earned a reputation as a dependable cover corner, excelling in pass coverage and consistently contributing in both man and zone schemes.
Reed’s two-year stint with the Jets has been particularly impressive. As part of their defensive backfield, Reed quickly became a key fixture for the Jets, playing in 31 games and making 29 starts over the course of his time in New York. In his most recent season, Reed accumulated 77 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 9 pass deflections. His ability to shut down receivers on the outside and his physical style of play made him a critical asset for a Jets defense that ranked among the top units in the league.
The Detroit Lions, who finished the 2024 season with a strong push toward the playoffs, have been actively searching for ways to improve their defense. After the team’s struggles with pass coverage in the past few seasons, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell prioritized adding experience and depth to the secondary. With D.J. Reed now in the fold, the Lions have secured a well-rounded cornerback who can contribute both in coverage and as a physical presence against the run.
“Adding D.J. Reed to our secondary was an important step in our off-season plans,” said Holmes in the official announcement. “D.J. is a proven cornerback with the versatility to match up with a wide range of offensive systems. His competitive spirit, leadership, and high football IQ will make an immediate impact on our defense. We are excited to welcome him to the Detroit Lions.”
For Reed, this move to Detroit represents a fresh start and a new challenge in his career. Known for his tenacity and ability to shut down opposing receivers, Reed will undoubtedly become a leader in the Lions’ defensive backfield. His combination of speed, coverage skills, and physicality make him an ideal fit for defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn’s scheme, which often calls for aggressive play on the outside.
The addition of Reed is expected to give the Lions the added stability and experience they need in a division where they face talented wide receivers, including those from rivals like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. With the signing of Reed, Detroit is making it clear that they are serious about building a defense capable of competing at the highest level.
As free agency continues, the Lions are expected to make more moves to strengthen their roster, but for now, the addition of D.J. Reed signals that Detroit is focused on improving their defense and building a team ready to contend for a playoff spot in the upcoming season.
