By Sunday 
It’s never fun using the word sabotage when talking about your own team — unless you’re quoting the Beastie Boys. But for the Detroit Lions, one new signing is quietly raising concerns not because of who he is, but when he is.
A New Face in the Secondary
The Lions pulled the trigger this offseason and signed veteran cornerback D.J. Reed to a 3-year, $48 million deal. On paper, it looks solid. Reed had a respectable season in New York and brings plenty of starting experience. He held opposing QBs to an 87.1 passer rating in coverage, which isn’t elite, but not terrible either.
But here’s the twist: Reed is 29. And in NFL cornerback years? That’s basically borderline vintage.
A Risk in a Position of Decline?
NFL analyst Joe Summers sounded the alarm recently, not because Reed is bad — he isn’t — but because the cornerback position is notoriously fickle with age. As Summers noted, “It’s a cautionary tale about the nature of the position and how quickly primes can fade.” He even points to former star L’Jarius Sneed as an example of how things can fall apart quickly.
This isn’t about Reed suddenly falling off a cliff, but the gamble Detroit is taking by relying on a player who might already be on the decline.
Blocking the Next Generation?
The bigger issue isn’t just performance — it’s development.
The Lions have young talent in the wings: Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. are itching for reps. If Reed locks down a starting role all season, it could slow the growth of the younger corners. And with the Lions trying to build a sustainable contender, that could become a costly delay.
As Summers put it, “Reed will need to perform like a top-tier corner to make his contract worth it.” That’s a heavy ask — especially when so much is riding on building the future.
Veteran Value or Development Disruption?
Let’s not throw Reed under the bus just yet. There’s real value in bringing a seasoned vet into a young secondary. He could be a mentor, a steadying voice, a locker-room leader. The concern is about balance — finding the sweet spot between leaning on experience and nurturing potential.
The Lions’ margin for error is smaller now. The team has playoff expectations, a reshuffled coaching staff, and a tough road ahead. Every roster decision counts — and all eyes will be on whether Reed proves to be a smart investment or an accidental roadblock.
Bottom Line?
D.J. Reed might be a stabilizer — or a staller. And for a team on the verge of greatness, that difference could define their season.