The Detroit Lions certainly didn’t skimp on finding a replacement for Carlton Davis after he joined the New England Patriots in free agency.

One of their first major offseason moves was signing standout cornerback DJ Reed from the New York Jets with a lucrative deal.

Although often overshadowed by All-Pro Sauce Gardner, Reed has established himself as one of the top No. 2 cornerbacks in the league and would have been the top option for many teams.

The Lions made a significant investment, giving him a three-year deal worth $48 million.

ESPN’s Seth Walder was highly complimentary of the work Lions GM Brad Holmes did in replacing Davis with Reed, even calling it the best free-agent signing of the offseason.

With Detroit working on a tighter budget as they prepare for extensions, this move looks like a major win.

Walder not only praised Reed’s value at $16 million per season, but he also believes Reed may be an upgrade over Davis.

While Davis is set to earn $20 million per year with the Patriots, Reed could offer better value on his contract.

NFL cornerbacks on the outside typically allow an average of 1.1 yards per coverage snap, and Reed has consistently posted below that average for the last four seasons.

He’ll be a key addition to a defense that will need to compensate for the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Reed not only brings solid cornerback play but could serve as a crucial mentor for the Lions’ young secondary.

Detroit could feature four rookie contract players, including 2024 cornerback draft picks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw, so his veteran leadership will be invaluable.

If Reed maintains the level of play he showed in New York and Rakestraw returns from injury to challenge Amik Robertson for snaps, the Lions’ secondary could become one of the league’s best.

Arnold will improve, while both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will vie for All-Pro honors.

While Reed isn’t guaranteed to make an All-Pro team, he has been consistently underrated, partly due to playing much of his career on struggling teams.

The Lions may finally give him the recognition his play has long deserved.