Lions 2025 free agency tracker: D.J. Reed replacing Carlton Davis at cornerback

As the 2025 NFL offseason approaches, the Detroit Lions are preparing for another pivotal period of roster building through free agency. Coming off a season of growth and competitive success, the Lions are focused on continuing their ascent toward the top of the NFC North and making a deep playoff run. One of the key areas that the Lions are likely to address is their cornerback position. While the team has made notable improvements in recent seasons, the cornerback position remains a critical area for further strengthening, especially in a division that boasts several high-powered offenses.

One of the most significant moves the Lions could make in free agency is targeting a top-tier cornerback to replace Carlton Davis, who has been a staple of the defense but may not be re-signed for the 2025 season. In this piece, we’ll explore the possibility of the Lions signing D.J. Reed to replace Davis and the impact that could have on the team’s defensive backfield.

D.J. Reed: The Cornerback the Lions Need?

D.J. Reed, who has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, is set to be one of the most sought-after free agents in 2025. After a successful career with the New York Jets, Reed’s skills have earned him a reputation as a reliable, versatile, and consistent cornerback. Standing at 5’9”, Reed may not possess the prototypical size that teams often look for in an outside cornerback, but his football IQ, speed, and ability to play both inside and outside make him an ideal candidate for teams in need of a proven starter at cornerback.

Reed’s coverage skills are outstanding, as he has a natural ability to track receivers, make quick breaks on the ball, and get his hands on passes. He has also proven himself capable of playing at a high level against some of the league’s best receivers. In 2024, Reed posted 2 interceptions, 10 pass deflections, and consistently showed his ability to shut down No. 2 and slot receivers. He has a knack for reading quarterbacks’ intentions and capitalizing on mistakes.

Given the Lions’ need for a high-caliber cornerback, Reed represents a great fit for their defensive system. With the emergence of young stars like Aidan Hutchinson and the continued development of their defensive line, the Lions could significantly benefit from a lockdown corner who can complement their pass rush.

The Lions’ Cornerback Situation in 2025

Heading into the 2025 season, the Lions are in need of a top-tier cornerback to replace Davis, who may either leave in free agency or be traded, depending on how the offseason plays out. While Davis has been a key member of Detroit’s defense, his contract situation and potential cap implications could make it difficult for the Lions to re-sign him. As a result, addressing the cornerback position in free agency becomes a pressing need.

The Lions currently have some solid pieces in their secondary, with Jeff Okudah and Emmanuel Moseley being important players. Okudah, the former No. 3 overall pick, has shown flashes of his potential but still needs to become more consistent. Moseley, while effective when healthy, has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, raising concerns about his long-term availability. Beyond these two, the depth of the cornerback position is thin, and the Lions would benefit from adding a proven player like D.J. Reed to the fold.

If the Lions can sign Reed to replace Davis, it would give them a reliable and experienced corner who can be a true No. 1 cornerback, while allowing Okudah to develop further and Moseley to play in a more specialized role, possibly as a No. 3 cornerback or in a rotational role to mitigate injury concerns.

What D.J. Reed Brings to the Lions’ Defense

If the Lions are able to land D.J. Reed, he would bring a number of valuable qualities to their defense, both in terms of performance and leadership. Reed’s impact would be felt immediately as a starting cornerback who can help shore up a key position of need.

Elite Coverage Skills

First and foremost, D.J. Reed’s most significant asset is his ability to lock down receivers in coverage. Reed has the ability to play both press and off-coverage, making him versatile in different defensive schemes. His skill set allows him to excel against a wide variety of receiving threats. Whether it’s defending bigger, physical receivers or quicker, shiftier players in the slot, Reed is well-equipped to handle different types of matchups.

This kind of ability is crucial in today’s NFL, where offenses are designed to exploit weak spots in a defense, particularly in the passing game. Having a reliable cornerback who can cover a team’s top receiving target frees up other defenders to focus on other aspects of the defense, such as pressuring the quarterback. Reed’s ability to shut down receivers will provide a level of stability that the Lions have lacked in recent seasons, allowing the defensive line to apply pressure without worrying about giving up big plays in coverage.

Versatility and Inside/Outside Flexibility

One of the reasons D.J. Reed is so valuable to an NFL team is his versatility. While he may be slightly undersized compared to some outside cornerbacks, Reed has no problem lining up on the outside against some of the NFL’s top receivers. His physicality, quickness, and ability to anticipate routes allow him to excel in this role.

However, Reed also has the ability to move inside and play the slot cornerback position. This versatility would allow the Lions to have more flexibility with their defensive schemes. Reed’s ability to play both outside and inside cornerback allows the team to adjust and create favorable matchups, depending on the opponent’s personnel.

With the increased reliance on multiple-receiver sets in the NFL, a cornerback who can effectively cover both inside and outside receivers is a huge asset. Reed’s adaptability would give the Lions defense much-needed flexibility when facing teams with multiple receiving threats, such as the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears.

Leadership and Experience

Another critical factor that D.J. Reed would bring to the Lions is his leadership and experience. Reed has been in the league long enough to understand the nuances of cornerback play and the demands of playing in the NFL. He has seen a wide range of offensive schemes and can bring that knowledge to the Lions, helping guide the younger players in the secondary.

Reed has also shown his ability to thrive in a team-first, defensive culture with the New York Jets. He is not just a player who will excel individually, but someone who elevates the performance of those around him. His leadership would be invaluable in a secondary that includes younger players like Okudah, who is still developing, and Moseley, who could use more stability in the position. Reed’s presence could serve as a guiding force, helping these players elevate their games to the next level.

The Financial Outlook: What Would a Deal for Reed Look Like?

Signing D.J. Reed would likely require the Lions to invest a substantial amount of money, but the investment would be well worth it given his talents. As a proven starting cornerback with multiple seasons of solid production, Reed is likely to command a multi-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) near $15-17 million per year. This would place him in the upper tier of cornerbacks in terms of salary, though still below the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.

For the Lions, this could present some challenges in terms of cap space, but they are in a relatively strong position to make a significant investment in their defense. With the salary cap increasing each season, the Lions should have room to sign a player of Reed’s caliber while also maintaining flexibility to address other needs.

A possible contract for Reed could be in the range of 4-5 years, with significant guaranteed money to ensure he is a cornerstone of the defense for the long term. The deal would likely include a combination of signing bonuses, roster bonuses, and incentives based on performance.

Impact on the Lions’ Defensive Scheme

Adding D.J. Reed would allow defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to implement more complex coverage schemes. With Reed locking down one side of the field, the Lions could afford to be more aggressive in their pass rush, knowing that their cornerback on the outside can handle the opposing team’s top receiver. The presence of Reed would also allow for more flexibility in zone coverage, as his ability to cover ground quickly and anticipate passes would create opportunities for the defense to create turnovers.

Furthermore, Reed’s versatility would enable the Lions to play more varied coverages, such as switching between man-to-man and zone looks depending on the situation. This kind of flexibility is important in today’s NFL, where offenses are increasingly unpredictable and complex.