The Detroit Lions’ signing of CB D.J. Reed is a strong move. It adds reliability, versatility, and experience to their secondary.

The NFL offseason is always full of excitement, especially when franchises look to upgrade their rosters. For the Detroit Lions, one of the most important signings in the 2024 offseason was cornerback D.J. Reed. After spending several seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and showcasing his talent and consistency, Reed’s addition to the Lions’ defense is a key move. With the Lions striving to bolster their secondary and solidify their defense for a potential playoff push, Reed’s acquisition raises questions about how he fits into the team’s long-term plans and what it means for the defense as a whole.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Detroit Lions’ signing of D.J. Reed, evaluate his performance and skill set, and provide an overall grade for the move based on several factors. We’ll consider his strengths and weaknesses, how he fits within the Lions’ defensive scheme, and how this signing will impact the team’s future success.

Who is D.J. Reed?

D.J. Reed is a cornerback who has built a solid reputation in the NFL for his reliable coverage, ability to read plays, and excellent ball skills. Born in the Bay Area of California, Reed played college football at Kansas State, where he excelled as one of the top cornerbacks in the Big 12. His combination of size, quickness, and football intelligence made him an intriguing prospect, and he was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Reed’s time with the 49ers was productive, but he truly came into his own after joining the Seattle Seahawks in 2020. With the Seahawks, Reed became a starter and developed into one of the more consistent cornerbacks in the league. Over the next few years, Reed earned a reputation for being a versatile player who could thrive in both man-to-man and zone coverage schemes. His ability to defend against a wide variety of receivers, combined with his knack for making plays on the ball, made him an important part of the Seahawks’ secondary.

In 2023, Reed registered 15 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble—solid numbers that underscored his effectiveness as a coverage corner. His ability to play physical, yet disciplined, football made him one of the most consistent corners in the league. After hitting the free-agent market, Reed became one of the top targets for teams in need of a cornerback, and the Detroit Lions capitalized on the opportunity to sign him.

Why Did the Detroit Lions Pursue D.J. Reed?

The Detroit Lions, under head coach Dan Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes, have been working hard to rebuild their defense. Despite showing offensive brilliance, the Lions have struggled in certain aspects of their defensive game, particularly in pass coverage. Their defense finished 2023 with a middling performance in the secondary, ranking 22nd in passing yards allowed and 25th in interceptions. While the Lions showed promise with young players like Jeff Okudah, the need for experienced, reliable cornerbacks became increasingly evident.

Reed’s versatility and consistency were key reasons why the Lions targeted him. After the departure of veteran cornerback Mike Hughes, the Lions were in need of a cornerback who could step in and immediately contribute. With a defense that needed more depth and experience at the cornerback position, Reed was an ideal fit.

Additionally, Reed’s familiarity with the NFC West, facing top-tier wide receivers in the division, was a strong selling point. The Lions were looking for someone who could step in and compete against some of the best in the league, and Reed’s experience in this regard made him a natural choice. His familiarity with the demanding nature of NFC competition gave the Lions confidence that he could handle the pressure.

What Does D.J. Reed Bring to the Lions?

Reed’s skill set makes him a significant addition to the Detroit Lions’ secondary. He brings a variety of attributes that should help elevate the defense as a whole:

1. Coverage Ability: Reed is known for his ability to cover a wide range of receivers. Standing at 5’9” and weighing 188 pounds, he isn’t the largest cornerback in the league, but his agility and football IQ make him a tough matchup for opposing wideouts. Reed excels in both man and zone coverage, and his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and anticipate routes is one of his strongest traits. Whether the Lions are facing a tall, physical receiver or a speedy, quick wideout, Reed can handle the assignment.
2. Ball Skills: One of the most valuable aspects of Reed’s game is his ability to make plays on the ball. He has proven to be a threat in coverage, registering multiple interceptions and pass breakups over his career. Reed’s ball-hawking skills make him an asset in a defense that needs to create turnovers. In 2023, he registered 2 interceptions, and his 15 pass deflections showed his ability to be a disruptive force.
3. Physical Play: Reed’s competitive edge and physicality make him effective both in coverage and against the run. He doesn’t shy away from contact and plays with an edge that helps him win at the line of scrimmage and in contested situations. His willingness to engage with blockers also makes him a valuable contributor in defending the run, especially on the outside.
4. Versatility: One of Reed’s greatest strengths is his ability to be versatile. He is comfortable playing on the outside, but he has also been used in the slot in nickel packages. This versatility will give Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn more flexibility in deploying Reed and the rest of the defensive backs. Whether in a traditional cornerback role or in a nickel package, Reed has the ability to step in and make an impact.
5. Leadership: Reed has developed into a solid leader in the locker room and on the field. As a player with multiple years of experience, he brings a level of maturity and professionalism that will help stabilize the Lions’ young cornerback group. His leadership can provide guidance to players like Okudah, who will benefit from Reed’s veteran presence.
6. Stability and Reliability: Reed has been remarkably consistent throughout his career, and this is one of the most important qualities he brings to Detroit. Unlike many other cornerbacks who struggle with inconsistency or injury issues, Reed has managed to avoid significant injuries and remains a reliable option week in and week out. His track record of staying healthy is crucial for a Lions defense that has experienced injuries to key players in recent seasons.

How Does D.J. Reed Fit Into the Lions’ Defensive Scheme?

The Lions are implementing a defense that emphasizes flexibility and versatility, and Reed fits well into this philosophy. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has made it clear that the Lions’ defense needs to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks and create turnovers. By adding Reed, who can cover multiple types of receivers and generate turnovers, the Lions are addressing a key weakness.

Additionally, the Lions are looking to build a defense that can effectively run multiple coverage schemes, from man-to-man to zone. Reed’s ability to play both styles will allow Glenn to use a variety of defensive looks without worrying about mismatches. In man coverage, Reed’s quickness and ability to mirror receivers will be a major asset. In zone coverage, his awareness and ball skills will allow him to jump routes and make plays.

The addition of Reed also helps solidify a cornerback group that has been in flux. With the improvement of Jeff Okudah, the development of second-year player Kerby Joseph, and the acquisition of Reed, the Lions are improving their secondary significantly. The ability to have Reed and Okudah as a pair of starting cornerbacks will give the Lions more stability in coverage, allowing their pass rush to be more effective by giving the defensive line extra time to get to the quarterback.

What Impact Will D.J. Reed Have on the Lions?

D.J. Reed’s impact on the Detroit Lions’ defense could be substantial. Here’s how his presence will likely affect the team:

1. Improved Pass Defense: The addition of Reed should lead to a much-improved pass defense. Reed is a reliable cornerback who has proven his ability to shut down top-tier receivers. With his experience, he will be able to make an immediate impact on the field, helping the Lions defend against both elite quarterbacks and wide receivers.
2. More Turnovers: One area where the Lions have struggled in recent seasons is in generating turnovers. In 2023, they were ranked 19th in the league in turnovers forced. Reed’s ball skills and ability to make plays on the football should lead to an increase in interceptions and pass breakups, improving the Lions’ ability to get off the field on third downs and create scoring opportunities for their offense.
3. Better Coverage for Aidan Hutchinson: A key aspect of the Lions’ defense moving forward will be the ability to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With Reed and Okudah anchoring the cornerback positions, opposing quarterbacks will have less time to throw, allowing the Lions’ pass rushers, especially Aidan Hutchinson, to get more opportunities to sack the quarterback. This will make the defensive line more effective and raise the overall quality of the defense.
4. A Stronger Secondary: Reed’s signing bolsters an already improving secondary. With players like Okudah, Kerby Joseph, and Tracy Walker, the Lions now have a more well-rounded defensive backfield. This gives them the flexibility to match up against various offensive schemes and provides them with depth and leadership.

Grading the D.J. Reed Signing for the Detroit Lions

Now that we’ve explored D.J. Reed’s background, his fit with the Lions, and his potential impact, it’s time to evaluate how this signing fares overall.

• Fit and Impact: A+ Reed fits perfectly with the Lions’ defensive needs. He provides stability, versatility, and an upgrade at cornerback, giving the team a reliable starter opposite Jeff Okudah. His ability to create turnovers and cover multiple types of receivers will give the Lions’ defense much-needed balance and depth.
• Skill Set: A Reed brings a complete skill set to the table, including excellent coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and physicality. He’s a proven commodity in the NFL and brings a level of consistency to a team that is looking to improve its defensive efforts.
• Long-Term Outlook: B+ While Reed is a solid addition to the Lions’ defense, the long-term outlook depends on his ability to remain healthy. He has a good track record of staying on the field, but the Lions will need to monitor his health moving forward. If Reed can remain consistent and healthy, this signing could have a lasting impact for years to come.