The Detroit Lions were looking to improve the defense in free agency this offseason after they had some holes on defense a season ago. On Monday, Jordan Schultz reported on Twitter, 

“BREAKING: Free agent CB D.J. Reed plans to sign with the #Lions on a 3-year, $48M that includes $32M fully guaranteed, multiple sources tell

@NFLonFOX

. One of the top corners on the market lands a lucrative deal in Detroit.”

Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47), right, celebrates a play against Green Bay Packers defensive end Za'Darius Smith (99) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Detroit Lions linebacker Ezekiel Turner (47), right, celebrates a play against Green Bay Packers defensive end Za’Darius Smith (99) during the second half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Reed last season played for the Jets. He recorded 64 tackles, one sack, and 11 pass deflections. This is a huge addition to the Lions defense. This is also a huge blow to New York’s defense and also a big blow to the Green Bay Packers’ chances of signing him.

Detroit Lions Fans React To DJ Reed Signing

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Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (86) tries to break free from New York Jets cornerback D.J. Reed (4) after a catch in the first quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

A lot of fans were happy for DJ Reed to be paired with Terron Arnold now in the Lions secondary. One fan said on Twitter, 

“DJ Reed to Detroit!! 🦁 Reed, 28, 5-9, 188lbs is a CB out of Kansas St. With 6 straight 70+ PFF seasons, Reed was playing at an All-Pro level until Saleh was fired. PFF Rankings among CBs over 50% of snaps 2024: 70.7 (28/80) 2023: 77.9 (15/75) 2022: 72.5 (19/72)”

Reed and Sauce Gardner were a very good pairing with the Jets last season. Another Detroit fan said,

“Upgrade from Davis. Lions on paper w/ that defense coming back are a top two roster in football. Will be interesting to see how they handle losing both coordinators…”

The Lions have won the NFC North for the last two seasons without an elite defense. Another Detroit Lions fan said on Twitter, 

“That’s a big move for the Lions! Do you think D.J. Reed will make a significant impact on their defense with that contract?”

There is no doubt that the Reed contract was good for him and the Lions. Detroit was the number one seed in the NFC last season. They are hoping to keep their championship window open after winning back-to-back NFC North division titles.

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