Ed Mulholland-Imagn Images D.J. Reed was a key piece of the Jets’ defense, but why did he leave—and what makes him a perfect fit for the Lions? When the Detroit Lions agreed to terms with cornerback D.J. Reed, they didn’t just add another piece to the secondary—they l anded a proven playmaker with the kind of competitive attitude this team values. But what exactly are the Lions getting in Reed? How was he viewed by Jets’ fans, and why did he ultimately leave New York? To get the inside scoop, we spoke with MacGregor Wells, Deputy Manager for Gang Green Nation, who watched Reed closely during his three seasons in New York. From his aggressive playing style to his scheme versatility—and even the one matchup that gives him trouble—here’s everything Lions fans need to know about their new cornerback. How was Reed viewed by the Jets organization and fan base? Was he considered a key piece of the secondary playing opposite of Sauce Gardner, or was he more so viewed as a player who could be replaced this offseason? What about at the price and term of his reported deal with Detroit, would Jets fans have wanted him back on the deal he got? Reed was an outstanding cornerback for the Jets. In the first half of last year he was arguably better than Sauce Gardner. Reed fell off a bit in the second half of the season, but he still was a legitimate CB1, if Sauce wasn’t on the Jets. Most Jets fans would have been glad to have him back on the terms he got from the Lions, but Reed made it pretty clear he wasn’t interested in returning. He had (grown) tired of all the losing with the Jets and it was not a surprise he ended up with a team that has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. What were some of D.J. Reed’s biggest strengths in the Jets’ defense, and how/where will they miss him the most in their secondary? Reed was very effective whether in press man coverage or zone. He has excellent speed and quickness, is not afraid to mix it up against the run, and plays with outstanding aggression. The Jets did not have Sauce Gardner follow opposing WR1s, so Reed often was matched up against the opponent’s best receiver, and he more than held his own. Were there any specific areas (outside of penalties, we’ll get to that in a second) where Reed struggled? How can the Lions put him in the best position to succeed here in Detroit? If Reed has a weakness it is his size. At 5-foot-9 and 188 pounds Reed can struggle against the biggest, most physical receivers in the NFL. Match him up against a 6’4”, 220-pound dude who knows how to use his size and Reed is out of his element. After eight penalties in 2023, Reed followed that up with 11 in 2024, t-4th among cornerbacks last season. Prior to 2023, Reed had just 12 penalties across five seasons. What about Reed’s game, in your opinion, has led to this uptick in penalties the past couple of years? Reed is very aggressive and can be a little grabby when a receiver gets behind him. Frankly a pass interference penalty when you’ve been beaten deep can be the right play to avoid a TD. I’m not really sure why his penalties increased the last two years. My guess is a lot of it is just statistical noise, but some of it may be he’s gotten more physical over time in his play. What stood out most about Reed’s intangibles—whether it was his leadership, work ethic, competitiveness, or another quality—that made him valuable to the Jets? I may be the wrong guy to answer this question. I’m of the belief that outside of the guys on the team and the coaches, few people have much of an idea about a player’s intangibles. Occasionally a player gets universal praise from coaches and players alike regarding certain intangibles, but outside of that I think none of us really know what these guys are really like. I will say Reed plays like he has something to prove on every play. He had to work his way up to being a starter in this league and it seems to show. He is hyper-competitive and doesn’t take plays off. He’s a guy that’s easy to root for as a fan. Are there any particular moments from games or specific matchups from Reed’s time in New York that stand out to you? What did those performances reveal about him as a player? I don’t think of any particular play or matchup when I think of Reed. Rather, I think of a guy who brings his best every single play, every single game. He doesn’t back down to anyone, he plays to the whistle, he is almost never clearly overmatched. Reed is a consummate professional. Like any cornerback, he can get beat, and he can have a bad game, but it’s never for lack of effort or lack of preparation. As you might discern, I loved the guy and I’m sorry to see him go. He’ll turn 29 years old next season, an age when cornerbacks can start to decline, so that could be an issue at some point going forward. Other than that, I think the Lions got a great cornerback and I hope he does as well for you as he did with the Jets. If he can’t get a ring with the Jets, maybe he can with the Lions. ...read more read less