As the 2024 season wound down, cornerback D.J. Reed’s future with the New York Jets grew uncertain, and he ultimately tested free agency.
Why didn’t he re-sign with New York?
Appearing on “The Jim Rome Show,” Reed revealed the main reason for his departure from the Jets and his decision to sign with the Detroit Lions on a three-year deal with $32 million guaranteed, worth up to $48 million.
“I wanted a chance to win a Lombardi, bro,” said Reed. “That’s something that I want to do. I want to win a Lombardi with my teammates, with my coaches, and with my organization. I wanted to go somewhere and play good football, meaningful football. That was the main thing for me.”
Many believed Reed would not return to the Jets for the 2025 season after he made multiple interesting comments over the past year, and it played out exactly that way.
Reed, 28, signed with the Jets ahead of the 2022 season and is arguably former general manager Joe Douglas’ best free agent signing. The Kansas State product spent three seasons with the Jets (2022-24), appearing in 46 games, all of which he started.
Playing over 3,000 defensive snaps for the Jets, Reed compiled 220 total tackles (including seven for loss), 32 passes defended, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions. He allowed only six touchdowns on 1,702 coverage snaps and yielded an 83.2 passer rating on throws in his direction.
To replace Reed as the Jets’ No. 2 cornerback across from Sauce Gardner, first-year general manager Darren Mougey signed cornerback Brandon Stephens to a three-year deal worth up to $36 million, including $23 million guaranteed.
The Jets are betting on Stephens to replace Reed, while Reed hopes to hoist the Lombardi Trophy with the Lions in Detroit.
