The Detroit Lions have made their first major signing of the offseason, acquiring former New York Jets Cornerback DJ Reed to a 3 year $48 million deal, of which 32 million is guaranteed. Dj Reed was the #1 ranked corner amongst the class, and the #6 ranked player overall according to PFF. Reed will fill the void left by Carlton Davis who signed with the New England Patriots for a higher AAV.

Reed is a scheme versatile cornerback, who has shown the ability to play physical in press coverage, but can also transition quickly and make breaks on the ball. Despite his size he has managed to excel on the outside with his tenacious motor and good closing speed to disrupt passes at the catch point. Reed has been criticized for his inability to manufacture turnovers having only secured 6 interceptions, but he makes up for that with over 50 pass deflections.

DJ Reed is a good CB, I love this pic.twitter.com/4Cs6wP9w5t

— Honolulu Blues (@HonoluluBlues_) March 10, 2025

Reed was originally drafted in the 5th round by the San Francisco 49ers. After a 2 year stint in Seattle where he solidified himself as a starter, he was united in New York with Robert Saleh, who was previously his defensive Coordinator in San Francisco. Over the last 3 years he has blossomed into one of the most consistent corners starting in 46 games, on a dominant defensive unit alongside his counterpart Sauce Gardner.

Reed was targeted a considerable amount more than Gardener, but was able to hold his own, finishing with a slightly higher PFF rating of 70.7. He will takeover the CB1 option alongside second year player Terrion Arnold. Reed brings competitiveness, durability and consistency to a young cornerback room that has room to grow in all of these categories. The Lions had a peculiar beginning to the signing period with the moves they made at edge rusher, but they seem to be headed in a more clear direction going after a top positional need at Cornerback. Stay tuned to FFSN for any new developments that are to come for Detroit.