When it comes to free agency pivots, the Lions are not hesitant, and their significant pivot from this year continues to be validated.
In the event that a player’s contract demands surpass their perception of his value during free agency, the Detroit Lions typically do not hesitate to make sudden adjustments. This offseason, following the unequivocal declaration by cornerback Carlton Davis that he would pursue the highest suitor in free agency, a swift adjustment was rendered to D.J. Reed.
Some analysts believe that the Lions will significantly miss Davis this season; however, a more thorough examination indicates that Reed may even be an improvement in all areas. It is reasonable to assume that the Lions engaged in contract negotiations with Davis at some point following his acquisition from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March 2024. Reed was evidently identified as the team’s primary pivot option as Davis’s departure approached.
In the three seasons that Reed spent with the New York Jets, he was forced to operate in the shadow of one of the NFL’s most formidable cornerbacks, Sauce Gardner. Although he has participated in seven NFL seasons, including a recent string of outstanding seasons as a starter, he has yet to establish himself as a ubiquitous name. He is now in Detroit, where he has the chance to alter that. Reed’s profile can only be enhanced by playing for a reputable team following his tenure with the Jets.
Pro Football Focus’ John Kosko recently published an evaluation of the top-32 cornerbacks in the NFL for the 2025 season, providing additional evidence that the Lions made the right decision in selecting D.J. Reed. It was reasonable to infer that Reed merited a spot on the list; however, the precise location was uncertain upon further investigation.
Reed has always been highly regarded by PFF, and he was ranked sixth, trailing only Gardner, Patrick Surtain II, Trent McDuffie, Jaylon Johnson, and Derek Stingley.
Reed has yet to establish himself as a ubiquitous name in the position, despite his exceptional performance over the course of several seasons. His PFF advanced coverage grade over the past two years is ranked fifth, while his standard PFF coverage grade of 89.3 is ranked 12th.
Reed has maintained an aggregate grade of 70.0 or higher for six consecutive seasons.
The individual Reed is replacing, Davis, was ranked 18th in PFF’s rankings. However, upon considering all factors, including contract cost and durability, it is evident that the Lions made the correct decision to establish a financial threshold with Davis and promptly transition to Reed on the first day of free agency.
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