The Jets signed D.J. Reed to a three-year, $33 million contract ahead of the 2022 season, reuniting him with then-head coach Robert Saleh, who had coached him in San Francisco.
Over the past three years, Reed has formed a formidable cornerback partnership with Sauce Gardner, and many experts felt that he was unlucky not to earn Pro Bowl recognition. However, he’s now a pending free agent and could have many suitors on the open market.
So, should the Jets bring Reed back?
Why Reed should be back
When the Jets signed Reed, there was a belief that Gardner would match up with taller receivers in order to prevent Reed’s lack of size from being exploited. But during the last three seasons, Reed has proven that he can cover just about anyone with his consistent and tenacious performances on the boundary.
As his Jets contract was running out, it became apparent that Reed – who wasn’t offered a contract extension ahead of the season – was looking forward to testing the market in free agency.
However, if he’s keen to get a fresh start, he could find that with the Jets anyway, since they’ll enter the 2025 season with a new coaching staff and, potentially, a different system.
Reed’s last contract proved to be good value, as he started 46 games in three seasons and performed at a consistently high level. But he’s unlikely to command elite cornerback money on this deal, which will likely stretch into his thirties -- so he should be affordable.
With Gardner due for an extension within the next year or so, the Jets may be keen to keep the duo together and avoid the risk of having to replace both in a few years.