The New York Jets and their new head coach, Aaron Glenn, have lost starting cornerback DJ Reed in free agency. Reed, who had been a key player for the Jets, chose to sign a three-year, $48 million contract with the Detroit Lions, making him the team’s biggest free-agent acquisition of the offseason. He is expected to replace Carlton Davis III as a top cornerback in Detroit’s defensive lineup.
Glenn, who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has long been aware of Reed’s abilities, dating back to the player’s time with the San Francisco 49ers. Glenn has high praise for Reed’s playing style and believes he will be an excellent addition to the Lions’ defense. Speaking at the NFL owners’ meetings, Glenn described Reed as a tough and competitive player. He noted that Reed is not just a skilled coverage cornerback but also someone willing to make tackles, which makes him a dynamic asset for Detroit’s defense.
Reed, now 28 years old, has played for multiple teams throughout his career, including the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, before spending the last three seasons with the Jets. His decision to leave New York appeared to be driven by both financial and competitive reasons, as he expressed interest in signing with either Washington or Detroit. Ultimately, he prioritized securing a lucrative contract and joining a team with a strong chance of contending, both of which he achieved with the Lions.
Glenn’s assessment of Reed as a physical and aggressive player aligns with the cornerback’s own self-evaluation. Reed has described himself as a determined competitor who aims to dominate each play. He also emphasized his willingness to tackle, a trait that is often uncommon among cornerbacks, who usually focus more on coverage. Reed believes his ability to both cover and make tackles makes him a perfect fit for Detroit’s defensive system.
Reed is versatile in both man and zone coverage schemes, which enhances his value to the Lions. Last season, he forced tight-window throws on 37.3% of the passes thrown his way, ranking fourth in the NFL in that category, according to Next Gen Stats. He allowed 21 completions on 34 targets, surrendering 214 yards and two touchdowns. While his interception numbers are low—just two over the past three seasons—he excels in pass defense, recording 32 pass breakups in that span. He is known for being aggressive in coverage and capable of disrupting plays, even if he does not frequently come away with interceptions.
Reed is expected to lead the Lions’ cornerback rotation alongside Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, and Ennis Rakestraw. Robertson performed well in the slot last season and later impressed when moved to the outside. The Lions will have multiple options in their defensive backfield, with players like Robertson and Brian Branch potentially shifting roles depending on matchups. Branch has demonstrated his ability to play multiple positions effectively and will continue to be a key part of the Lions’ secondary alongside All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph.
Reed is particularly excited about playing with Detroit’s talented safeties. He expressed enthusiasm for teaming up with two All-Pro safeties, believing their presence will elevate his own performance and strengthen the defense as a whole. Reflecting on his past experiences, Reed noted that Seattle primarily ran a zone-based scheme, while the Jets leaned heavily on man coverage, particularly in his final season there. Given that the Lions also favor man coverage, he believes he is stepping into an ideal system that aligns well with hiss trengths.