By Moses Joshua 
A New Defensive Leader Joins the Pride
The Detroit Lions made one of the biggest splashes in free agency this offseason, securing cornerback D.J. Reed on a three-year, $48 million deal. While the move signals Detroit’s commitment to solidifying its secondary, it also caught the attention of Aaron Glenn—former Lions defensive coordinator and now head coach of the New York Jets—who had plenty to say about Reed’s arrival in the Motor City.
A Feisty, Hard-Hitting Cornerback
Despite never coaching Reed directly, Glenn was deeply involved in scouting him as part of the Jets’ offseason evaluations. His assessment? The Lions just landed one of the toughest competitors in the league.
“He was scrappy, feisty,” Glenn said at the NFL owners’ meetings. “I ended up talking to D.J. quite a bit before that, just from his free agency from coming out. I just thought he was a man’s man, as far as playing the game. He’s not just a cover corner; he’s one that’ll go out there and tackle, too. I think Detroit is getting a dynamic player at corner.”
This tenacity is precisely what Detroit looks for in its defensive backs. Unlike other teams that prioritize coverage alone, the Lions demand their corners to be active in run defense—something Reed embraces wholeheartedly.
Reed Brings ‘Grit’ to Detroit
At his introductory press conference, Reed made it clear that he’s more than just a lockdown corner—he’s a tone-setter.
“I have grit, I’m a tenacious player, I want to dominate and win every rep,” Reed said. “I’m a willing tackler as well as a corner, which you know most corners don’t want to tackle. Most corners want to cover. I like to throw myself out there when I have to, and I also want to cover as well.”
That mentality makes Reed a perfect fit for a Lions team that finished last season first in passer rating allowed (82.0), tied for fifth in interceptions (16), and seventh in passes defended (81). His ability to be both a shutdown presence and an enforcer in the run game will be invaluable as Detroit looks to build upon its defensive success.
A Veteran Presence for a Young Star
Reed is expected to take on the role of Detroit’s No. 1 cornerback, replacing Carlton Davis. He’ll be lining up opposite Terrion Arnold, the talented second-year cornerback who Reed believes has the potential to be one of the league’s elite.
“As far as talent, as far as being sticky, it was a reason why he was drafted in the first round,” Reed said. “So, he’s going to be very good, in my opinion. I think he’s a Pro Bowl, All-Pro type of guy.”
With 64 tackles, 11 passes defended, and a sack last season with the Jets, Reed brings experience, leadership, and an aggressive playstyle to Detroit. Now, under head coach Dan Campbell, he has the opportunity to help lead the Lions to a championship-caliber defense.
The Lions were already one of the toughest teams in the NFC, and with D.J. Reed on board, they just got even meaner. If Glenn’s words ring true, Detroit may have just found the missing piece to take their defense to the next level.
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