The New Orleans Saints have made a significant addition to their roster by signing safety Justin Reid on a three-year, $31.5 million contract. Reid, a Louisiana native, returns to his home state after three successful seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he averaged 88 tackles, one sack, one interception, and eight passes defended annually. This deal is notably backloaded, with a modest base salary of $1.5 million in the first year, increasing to $9.25 million in the following two seasons, both of which are fully guaranteed.
Reid's contract contains a prorated signing bonus of $2.3 million over the three years, resulting in a cap hit of $11.55 million in both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The Saints have strategically structured his deal, making him a candidate for potential restructuring to free up cap space. If they choose not to restructure, there’s a possibility they could cut him after June 1, saving on his base salary. This move demonstrates New Orleans' commitment to enhancing their defense as they aim for a successful season.