Reed entered free agency as one of the top defenders, not just cornerbacks, available.
He entered the process hoping to land either in Detroit or Washington. Now that he’s with the Lions, Reed believes he made the right choice, describing his first day in Allen Park as “bliss” and “almost a dream.”
“I felt those two teams were contenders,” Reed said at his introductory press conference. “Detroit, it’s crazy because before free agency, early that Monday, I prayed to God and told him, ‘Whatever your will is, I want to go where you want me to go.’ It’s crazy because He literally gave me what my heart desired.
“I wanted to get paid, play with great players, and thankfully, I’m playing with talent on both sides of the ball. So, I’m joining a great team with a chance at that Lombardi. That’s my goal. Win a Super Bowl.”
Reed noted he had several offers, but those two teams stood out. When the decision came down to Detroit, he couldn’t be happier.
The Lions signed Reed to a three-year, $48 million deal, slightly less than anticipated and less than some other cornerback contracts on the market. He clarified that he didn’t take a pay cut and didn’t have a higher offer from a non-contender.
“I feel like anyone trying to win a Lombardi can see that Detroit is on that path,” Reed said. “We watch the tape. You see guys who want to play. Even when key players are out, the defense remains solid. That speaks volumes to the coaches for getting the players ready.”
Reed, a former walk-on at Fresno State who finished at Kansas State, keeps a reminder of his journey from that time.
He’s been a starting corner since 2020, and his game has reached new heights in the last three seasons with the New York Jets.
Reed forced tight-window throws on 37.3% of his targets last season, the fourth-highest rate in the NFL. Pro Football Focus ranked him 29th among cornerbacks with at least 20% of their team’s snaps. He’s played both zone and man coverage and feels he’s a good fit with the Lions, who play the most man coverage in the league.
The 5-foot-9 corner played 31.1% of his snaps in man coverage last year, allowing 21 catches on 34 targets for 214 yards and two touchdowns. While interceptions have been rare, with only two in three years, Reed stays near the ball with 32 pass breakups in that span.
“I think it fits very well. I’m a scrappy guy. I have grit, and I want to dominate and win every rep,” Reed said. “I’m also a willing tackler, which is rare for corners. Most just want to cover, but I’m happy to step up when needed.”
This mentality fits well in Detroit.
Reed also looks forward to mentoring young corners like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. He’s been studying Detroit’s tape, excited to play behind safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.
“I’m really looking forward to playing with the safety duo,” Reed said. “I’m excited to play with two All-Pro safeties, which will elevate my game and the entire defense.”
“I made a promise to myself called ‘Empty The Tank.’ I want to give everything to the game. Whenever I’m done, whether after this contract or later, I want to say I gave it my all. It doesn’t matter if I’m paid or not—I’ll play the same regardless. That’s my mindset.”
