It didn’t take long for veteran cornerback D.J. Reed to find his footing in Detroit. Since signing with the Lions this offseason, Reed has quickly embraced his new environment—and his excitement is especially evident when it comes to the secondary he’s now a part of. Although he hasn’t made any formal comments to the media yet, his activity on social media has made one thing crystal clear: he’s thrilled to be in the Motor City.

After spending the past three seasons with the New York Jets, Reed arrived in Detroit as a proven defensive back known for his tenacity, leadership, and versatility. His addition to an already improving defense gives the Lions a solid veteran presence on the back end. But more than anything, it’s his new teammates that seem to have energized him the most.

Reed now finds himself lining up behind one of the most promising safety duos in the NFL—Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. Joseph is coming off an outstanding 2024 season that earned him First-Team All-Pro recognition, a rare feat for a young safety. Branch, meanwhile, transitioned into a full-time safety role and quickly made a name for himself, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in just his second year.

It’s clear that Reed appreciates the talent around him. He’s taken to Twitter to show admiration for both Joseph and Branch, calling attention to the chemistry and potential within the Lions’ secondary. That kind of public support not only boosts morale but also reflects the strong bond forming among Detroit’s defensive backs.

For head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Reed’s immediate buy-in is a welcome sign. Having a seasoned cornerback who’s fully engaged and enthusiastic sets a tone for the rest of the defense—and potentially for the entire locker room. Reed brings more than just skill; he brings leadership and a contagious energy that could pay dividends throughout the season.

As the Lions prepare for training camp, D.J. Reed’s early enthusiasm bodes well for a team with high expectations. With rising stars around him and a clear belief in the unit’s potential, Reed could be a key piece in helping Detroit’s defense take the next step in 2025.