The Detroit Lions have added a veteran cornerback to replace Carlton Davis.
The Lions have agreed to terms with D.J. Reed on a free-agent contract, ¹ú²úÍâÁ÷ÍøNetwork Insider Ian Rapoport on Monday.
Reed is an excellent add for new Detroit defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. The 28-year-old spent the last three seasons with the New York Jets after two with the 49ers and two with Seattle.
Reed, a prototypical No. 2 corner who can survive being targeted at a high rate, has allowed the lowest passer rating (79.8) in primary coverage since 2020, per Pro Football Focus (min. 300 targets in primary coverage). He's also not afraid to stick his nose against the run, something that Detroit asks of all its corners.
Rarely burned, Reed forces contested passes and is a sure tackler in space. Reed is one of two CBs with 350-plus tackles and 40-plus passes defensed since 2020 (Reed: 360 tackles, 49 PD; Kenny Moore II: 418 tackles, 43 PD).
The veteran pairs well with second-year starter Terrion Arnold, fellow 2024 draftee Ennis Rakestraw Jr. and nickel Amik Robertson. The addition will allow Brian Branch to shift back to more of a safety role -- where he started last season before injuries struck deep.
Adding Reed keeps the Lions' secondary stocked. The key for Sheppard's defense will be getting big-name frontline players Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill back from injury and adding at least one more piece to the pass rush.
