The Detroit Lions have secured a significant addition to their secondary by signing cornerback D.J. Reed to a three-year, $48 million contract. Reed, who previously played for the New York Jets, has shown his ability to thrive as a No. 2 cornerback alongside elite talent, demonstrating strong performance metrics while facing elite receivers. This contract aims to fill the void left by Carlton Davis III, who signed with the New England Patriots for $60 million over three years.

Reed has proven his worth in past seasons, particularly during his tenure with the Jets, where he recorded 32 passes defended from 2022 to 2024. One notable statistic is his ability to maintain a competitive 80.4 passer rating against him, indicating his effectiveness on the field despite being frequently tasked with covering top opponents. However, Reed's career has not been without challenges, as he has recorded only six interceptions throughout his seven seasons, raising questions about his ball-hawking ability despite his solid overall play.