The Detroit Lions have secured their biggest signing of the offseason so far—one that nearly went elsewhere.
As the Lions work through a crucial offseason, they are still recovering from a heartbreaking playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. The 2024 squad was expected to finally take Detroit to the Super Bowl, but those hopes were dashed on January 18 when Washington secured the victory.
Despite the disappointment, the team is pushing forward, making key moves to strengthen the roster.
One of their latest additions was close to signing with another franchise but ultimately chose Detroit.
The Lions have seen significant roster changes, but they’ve also added impact players. One of the most notable is cornerback D.J. Reed, who agreed to a lucrative three-year, $48 million contract.
During his introductory press conference on March 14, Reed revealed that he had narrowed his decision down to two teams: the Lions and the Commanders. Ultimately, he chose Detroit for compelling reasons.
“I wanted to get paid. I wanted to play with dogs,” Reed said. “I’m joining a great team with a real shot at the Lombardi.”
He also emphasized, “I’m really excited about playing alongside this safety duo. Having two All-Pro safeties will elevate my game to the next level.”
Reed, a Kansas State product, steps in to replace Carlton Davis, who signed a high-value deal with the New England Patriots. Davis’ departure was expected, as retaining him would have been costly for Detroit.
Reed was one of the most sought-after cornerbacks in free agency and brings toughness and skill to the Lions. After three seasons with the New York Jets, he helped their defense rank among the top four in pass coverage since 2022. Interestingly, former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn now leads the Jets, making this signing even more notable.
During his 46 games with the Jets, Reed recorded 220 tackles, 32 pass breakups, seven tackles for loss, and two interceptions. From 2022 to 2024, he consistently earned a 70+ overall and coverage grade from PFF.
“I think this is a perfect fit,” Reed said of his role in Detroit’s defense. “I’m a scrappy guy. I play with grit. I’m aggressive and want to win every snap.”
He continued, “I’m a physical tackler, which isn’t common for cornerbacks. Most prefer to just cover, but I embrace both aspects of the game. I’m confident I’ll fit in well here.”
