The Detroit Lions wasted no time addressing their secondary after losing Carlton Davis to the New England Patriots, signing D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract. The former New York Jets cornerback brings experience, consistency, and a strong man-coverage skill set—making him a perfect fit for Detroit’s aggressive defensive scheme.
At 28, Reed has proven to be a reliable presence on the outside, ranking 28th among all corners in man coverage last season, according to Pro Football Focus. His ability to hold his own in one-on-one matchups will be crucial for a Lions defense that blitzes heavily and struggled against the pass last year, finishing 30th in passing yards allowed.
This move also benefits Detroit’s young secondary, taking pressure off Ennis Rakestraw and Amik Robertson, who will likely split time at nickelback. Both showed promise but lacked consistency, making Reed’s experience a valuable asset as they continue to develop.
With a high-powered offense and a defense that showed flashes before injuries derailed them, the Lions’ championship window is wide open. Signing Reed is another aggressive move to solidify their roster and make a deeper playoff run in 2025.
Lions Land Perfect CB Fit in D.J. Reed with 3-Year, $48M Contract
