Breaking news: Jets star sign a “surprising” $48 million contract with close rival.
D.J. Reed’s departure was one of the New York Jets’ major offseason losses. One of the NFL’s top cornerback tandems resulted from Reed and Sauce Gardner working together in the secondary. Sadly for the white and green, Reed departed for the Detroit Lions, who offered him a three-year, $48 million contract, in search of better opportunities.
Although the Jets probably couldn’t have afforded Reed, it wasn’t shocking that he departed the organization. However, others were surprised by the size of his deal. For the most part, Reed was expected to earn more than $50 million. As a result, Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated named Reed’s contract one of the finest deals of the summer.
“D.J. Reed, CB, Detroit Lions (three years, $48 million),” remarked Manzano. “The fact that Reed didn’t see the same deal specifics as Charvarius Ward and Carlton Davis III, who both inked three-year, $60 million contracts, was a little unexpected. Teams could have been worried about Reed’s potential advantages from playing with Sauce Gardner in New York during the previous three years. However, the supporting cast in Detroit may make Reed a stronger player than Ward and Davis, even if he is more suited as a No. 2 cornerback.
“In the secondary, Brian Branch’s versatility makes things simpler for his teammates. Additionally, after difficult rookie seasons, cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. may rediscover their footing. Additionally, Davis found it difficult to play in the Lions’ man-heavy defensive system the previous season. Given that Reed’s average yearly compensation was $4 million lower than Davis’, the Lions were wise to trade for Davis. Brandon Stephens, whose deal has not been praised for its value, appears to be the Jets’ replacement for Reed.
Reed started 46 games during his three years with the Jets. He finished with 220 tackles, 32 pass deflections, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. He had a sack and seven other tackles go for loss. Over the last two seasons, the Lions defense has been among the best in the NFL, and Reed will be joining them.
