Detroit Lions Eye D.J. Reed as Free Agency Target After Disappointing Playoff Exit

The Detroit Lions entered the 2024 season with high hopes and Super Bowl aspirations, but their journey ended earlier than anticipated. A 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round dashed their championship dreams and left fans pondering the offseason ahead. Now, with an eye on the 2025 season, Detroit faces a pivotal moment to solidify its roster and take the next step toward contention.

One bright spot heading into the offseason is the Lions’ financial flexibility. According to Over the Cap, Detroit boasts the ninth-most projected cap space for 2025. This positions them to make impactful moves in free agency, and one name that has already surfaced is star cornerback D.J. Reed.

A Potential Game-Changer in Detroit

Tyler Brooke of the 33rd Team recently predicted landing spots for top free agents, and he placed Reed with the Lions, noting his potential as a lockdown cornerback. With current No. 1 corner Carlton Davis set to hit free agency and potentially not returning, Reed could fill a significant void in Detroit’s secondary.

“Sauce Gardner may get all of the attention with the New York Jets, but D.J. Reed has been a solid starting cornerback in his own right,” Brooke wrote. “While he didn’t have any interceptions last season, he held quarterbacks to a 58.3 completion rate when targeting him in 2024. In fact, he hadn’t allowed a completion percentage higher than 61.4 over the last four seasons.”

Reed’s 2024 stats reflect his reliability and consistency. He logged 64 tackles, four tackles for loss, and 11 passes defensed with the Jets, leading his team in pass breakups and earning an impressive 70.7 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus.

The Lions’ Secondary Outlook

Detroit’s secondary is in flux heading into 2025. Carlton Davis, who served as the team’s top corner in 2024, is set to test free agency. Rookie Terrion Arnold showed promise but needs a reliable partner to complement his development. Additionally, 2024 second-round pick Ennis Rakestraw Jr. remains an unproven commodity after limited playing time in his rookie year.

Adding a seasoned veteran like Reed would provide immediate stability and leadership to the cornerback group. His pairing with Arnold could give the Lions a formidable one-two punch, allowing the defense to contend with high-powered offenses across the NFC.

Cap Space and Strategic Moves

With ample cap space, general manager Brad Holmes has the financial tools to re-sign key contributors or target top-tier free agents like Reed. The Lions’ willingness to spend in free agency would signal their intent to compete at the highest level in 2025.

Reed’s strong coverage skills, physicality, and proven track record make him an ideal replacement for Davis. His ability to lock down top receivers would bolster the Lions’ defense, potentially turning a significant offseason question mark into a position of strength.

What’s Next for Detroit?

The Lions’ early playoff exit was a setback, but the team remains well-positioned for the future. With a talented core and the resources to address roster gaps, Detroit has the potential to maintain its contender status. Whether D.J. Reed becomes part of that equation remains to be seen, but the fit seems almost too good to pass up.

For a team hungry for postseason success, moves like this could be the difference between another disappointing finish and a deep playoff run.