The winds of change are already flowing in Florham Park, New Jersey. After a lost season with sky-high expectations, the 2024 New York Jets have left a sour taste in fans’ mouths. All the hype and attention for a winning roster on paper, to sit at 4-12 with one week left in the season. The organization has festered such a combination of offseason hype and lackluster play for months. Now, we’re seeing the aftermath on display in the locker room.
The core of the Robert Saleh/Joe Douglas era will slowly be phased out, and one veteran is already looking for greener pastures. With multiple players heading into free agency, the Jets roster will look different in 2025. One player who made it known they’re ready to move on is cornerback DJ Reed. Joining the team in 2022, Reed became a valuable vocal leader in the Jets secondary. However, the losing has taken a toll on the veteran corner, and expected to leave this offseason.
Jets Defensive Star Ready for Free Agency
When then-general manager Joe Douglas hired Robert Saleh as the head coach, he wanted to help Robert build a strong defense for the Jets. To achieve this, the Jets knew they needed help. After doubling their win total from 2020, the Jets still required help to improve their 4-13 record. As a result, that offseason led to two major additions to the secondary. The first move was the signing of veteran cornerback DJ Reed in free agency. The former fifth-round pick in 2018, Reed left the 49ers after being placed on waivers. Fortunately, Reed found a place of his own on the Seattle Seahawks, eventually winning a starting role in Pete Carroll’s secondary. But, a three-year contract and a chance to reunite with Robert Saleh led DJ to come to New Jersey.
Within his first two seasons, Reed proved the gamble was worth it for both himself and New York. Reed finished each of his first two seasons with over 75 tackles and an interception. However, his most important asset has been being a vocal leader in the secondary. His strong presence on game day played a large role in the rapid ascension of Sauce Gardner. The tandem operated as a well-oiled machine together. Now 16 games into the 2024 season, it looks like they’ll be playing their last snaps before DJ Reed heads to free agency.
Need for a fresh start
DJ Reed is widely respected in the locker room. Becoming a fifth-round pick and turning it into a multi-year career as a starter is not easy. He knows what it’s like to fight for playing time. Even in a down year with only 59 tackles as of this writing, DJ Reed can still capitalize on the market. Still in the prime of his career at only 29 years old, DJ Reed can be a valued addition to a young secondary. With Robert Saleh gone, there’s little justification for Reed to stay when the Jets are heading for a rebuild. 2024 marks four years since DJ Reed last played in the postseason. Such a sabbatical from late January football would make any veteran curious about the options out there.
Best Team Fits
DJ Reed is picking a good time to test his options. Cornerback will be a sought-after position with veterans like Carlton Davis, Chavarious Ward, Jonathan Jones, and Byron Murphy all hitting the market as well. While Reed won’t be some GM’s first choice, he’s still a good gamble for a playoff contender. Davis’ free agency could open up a spot for Reed in Detroit. The Lions picked cornerbacks in back-to-back picks in the draft. Reed mentoring Terrion Arnold and Enis Rakestraw would be a big help for Aaron Glenn’s defense long term.
In addition, Minnesota could be another great destination. Brian Flores has revitalized the Vikings‘ defense to ‘purple people eaters’ levels of excitement. I’m sure Cam Byrum would welcome him in the Vikings dance practices with open arms. Another option could be the Los Angeles Rams. LA is back in the playoffs despite their defense playing without Aaron Donald. First-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula has done a great job with a unit that features four rookie starters. Reed could be a featured piece to help Kamren Kinchens and Cobie Durant elevate their games. I can also understand the Washington Commanders pursuing Reed to play the opposite of Marshon Lattimore. Would be a dangerous duo in Dan Quinn’s defense.
Another factor that could determine where DJ Reed plays next is wherever Robert Saleh lands. Robert Saleh has known DJ since his rookie year in San Francisco. Reed was a big reason for Robert Saleh’s early success on defense during his tenure. After spending time in Green Bay with Packers head coach & longtime friend Matt LaFleur, Saleh could be hired as a defensive coordinator next year. You have to think Saleh will keep in touch with Reed to see if he can bring him in to bring a veteran presence in the cornerback room. Regardless of where he lands, DJ Reed is focused on the future. Hopefully, he can get back to enjoying playing the game elsewhere as New York begins their new era.
Main Photo: [Mark Konezny] – USA Today Sports
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