After three seasons with the New York Jets, former Cerritos College football player D.J. Reed has signed a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions. Reed, who played for the Falcons in 2015, inked a 3-year, $48M contract with the Lions. Considered one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL, 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. He's coming off a a solid season with the Jets in which he logged 11 passes defended and 64 tackles (52 solo) over 14 games.
With the Falcons in 2015, Reed posted 42 tackles (23 solo), along with two interceptions, including one he returned for a 74-yard touchdown against Long Beach City College. He also returned 10 punts for 154 yards and six kickoffs for 146 yards.
As a red-shirt sophomore in 2016, Reed played in all 13 games as a cornerback and a return specialist, starting 12 games at cornerback. Reed totaled 75 tackles, 19 pass breakups, three interceptions, and two forced
fumbles, and returned nine kickoffs for 255 yards. After the season, he was named first-team All-Big 12 at cornerback.
Prior to the 2017 season, Reed was named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list, the Jim Thorpe Award watch list and the Bronko Nagurski Award watch list. A team captain, Reed started 11 games at cornerback in 2017; and played in the Cactus Bowl. He recorded 47 tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and one forced fumble on defense. He also excelled as a return specialist, returning 17 punts for 253 yards and one touchdowns, and returned 17 kicks for 582 yards and one touchdown. After the conclusion of the season, he was named 1st Team All-Big 12 at cornerback and 2nd Team All-Big 12 as a return specialist, while also achieving 2nd Team All-American honors.
Drafted in the 5th Round by the San Francisco 49ers, Reed spent two seasons there before he was waived from the active/non-football injury list. He was then claimed by the Seattle Seahawks and remained with them until the Jets signed him in 2022.
Reed will be joining former Falcon Kyle Peko with the Lions, who will be starting his second season with the organization.
