By Blessing 
After an impressive 2024 NFL regular season, the Detroit Lions fell short in their playoff debut, losing to the Washington Commanders in heartbreaking fashion. This defeat was a tough blow for a team many believed had a legitimate shot at a Super Bowl run. Now, as they enter the offseason, it’s clear the Lions have some gaps to address if they want to take that next step toward championship contention.
One area Detroit should focus on is their defensive secondary. Despite boasting plenty of defensive talent, the Lions could greatly benefit from adding another strong cover cornerback. A name that has recently surfaced as an intriguing option for Detroit is New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed.
Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team has highlighted Reed as an ideal fit for the Lions in free agency, pointing to his ability to bolster their defense.
“While he didn’t have any interceptions last season, he held quarterbacks to a 58.3 completion rate when targeting him in 2024. In fact, he hadn’t allowed a completion percentage higher than 61.4 over the last four seasons,” Brooke noted.
Reed’s performance speaks for itself. He is widely regarded as a player with No. 1 cornerback potential, making him an appealing target for the Lions. Brooke also emphasized that Reed could seamlessly replace Carlton Davis and Khalil Dorsey, who are both set to leave in free agency. Pairing Reed with rookie standout Terrion Arnold could give the Lions a formidable one-two punch in the secondary.
The 28-year-old cornerback appeared in 14 games for the Jets in 2024, recording 64 tackles, one sack, and 11 passes defended. His consistency over the past four seasons highlights his elite talent. A fresh start might be exactly what Reed needs, especially given the Jets’ underwhelming 2024 campaign.
While returning to New York could be enticing for Reed, especially with Aaron Glenn now leading the team as head coach, Detroit is an equally compelling destination. The Lions have the cap space to make a move, and their aggressive push toward Super Bowl contention could make them an attractive option for free agents.
As the offseason unfolds, expect to hear Detroit’s name in plenty of rumors, particularly regarding players like Reed who could elevate their roster.