Lions sign D.J. Reed: Grading Detroit's $48 million new cornerback
Carlton Davis had arguably his best season in coverage in 2024, but that proved to be his lone year as a Detroit Lion. Fortunately, Detroit moved quickly to grab another veteran boundary cornerback in free agency.
Less than 30 minutes after Davis signed with the New England Patriots, the Lions came to terms with former New York Jet corner D.J. Reed. At three years and $48 million, he'll make $4 million less in annual average salary than Davis, providing a little financial relief for a team with a roster led by a high-priced quarterback and defensive studs (Brian Branch, Aidan Hutchinson) careening toward expensive extensions.
Reed can be an upgrade from Davis. While his 2024 was a mess in all the ways most sloppy Jets seasons are, he still allowed just an 80.4 passer rating when targeted. Opposing wideouts have caught less than 59 percent of targets thrown his way in three of the last four seasons. He doesn't turn 29 until November, which suggests he should be able to play out the two big money years on his partially guaranteed contract at a similar level.
Now he'll be the veteran leader atop a depth chart that features 2024 draft picks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. Detroit's -0.12 expected points added (EPA) per pass play allowed gave it the league's fourth-best passing defense, per NFL Pro. Swapping Davis for Reed at a reasonable cost ensures that unit can be just as disruptive in 2025 as it was last fall.
Grade: A-
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