The Lions wasted no time in adding one of the top free agent corners in the 2025 cycle.
Just two hours into the NFL’s 2025 tampering period of free agency, the Detroit Lions made a splash move, agreeing to terms with Jets cornerback D.J. Reed on a reported three-year, $48 million contract . Reed is expected to take over the starting role left vacant after Carlton Davis departed for the Patriots .
Let’s take a look at how this signing will impact the Lions roster now and in the future.
Origin story
Originally drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft , Reed played a reserve role over his first two seasons before getting injured in year-three training camp and was waived. He was claimed by the Seahawks where he played out the remainder of his rookie contract, earning 22 starts during his two seasons in Seattle. In 2022, Reed signed a three-year deal with the Jets and would go on to start 46 games over that time.
2024 role: Starting CB for Jets
After three very successful seasons in the Jets press-man scheme, Reed was considered one of the top free agents in this year’s draft cycle, checking in as the No. 6 best available player per PFF , and was No. 9 on the Athletic’s rankings .
From PFF’s free agency rankings:
“Reed is set to enter free agency after earning his sixth straight season-long 70.0-plus PFF overall grade. His 70.1 coverage grade in 2024 ranked 31st among qualifying cornerbacks. He excelled in PFF’s advanced metrics, boasting a 51.28% lockdown percentage.”
From the Athletic’s free agency rankings:
“Reed was a reliable No. 2 corner with the Jets. Will someone pay him to be their No. 1? He doesn’t turn 29 until November and has been very durable, missing five games in three years in New York. He had only two interceptions over that span, but the press-man corner — who aligned primarily on the defensive right side opposite Sauce Gardner — stayed close enough to allow an opposing passer rating of only 87.1.”
2025 role: Expected to claim a starting role on the outside
While Reed played primarily as a slot corner during his time in San Francisco, his career took off when he transitioned to the outside in Seattle. In Detroit, it would make sense to stick with what he does best and keep Reed on the outside, opposite Terrion Arnold—especially because Amik Robertson (who started the majority of 2024 at nickel) and Ennis Rakestraw are both capable of playing on the inside, as well as on the perimeter.
While experience points to Reed and Arnold starting on the outside, with Robertson lining up as their nickel, things are far from settled, as the Lions thrive on internal competition, and will surely let all four of their top corners compete for snaps.
Free agency impact
While the addition of Reed gives the Lions four solid corners capable of earning a starting role, their depth is far from complete. At this time, only Stantley Thomas-Oliver—a practice squad corner for most of the year—is signed for 2025, leaving the potential for the Lions to add as many as five more corners to compete for depth roles.
Some of those roles could be acquired in free agency, or re-signings (like Kindle Vildor, Khalil Dorsey, or Emmanuel Moseley), or via the NFL Draft and undrafted free agents. If the Lions do dip back into the free agency pool, don’t expect another splash player, but instead, someone with experience
NFL Draft impact
While this signing likely takes the Lions out of the conversation for selecting a corner in the first round, adding competitors on Days 2 and/or 3 could still be in play. Depth is vital in the secondary and the Lions only have Reed, Arnold, and Rakestraw signed beyond this season. Adding a capable corner with upside in the draft would help fill the need for depth while possibly giving Detroit a player who could develop and challenge for snaps.