Lions agree to terms with free agent cornerback D.J. Reed

The Detroit Lions have secured a veteran cornerback to fill the spot left by Carlton Davis. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, D.J. Reed has reached a free-agent agreement with the team. Reed is a great addition for new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. The 28-year-old cornerback has played three seasons with the New York Jets, following stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.Recognized as a solid No. 2 corner, Reed has demonstrated the ability to handle a considerable amount of targets while allowing a low passer rating of 79.8 in primary coverage since 2020, as reported by Pro Football Focus (based on a minimum of 300 targets). Reed has recorded six interceptions and 51 passes defensed in his career. Standing at 5-9 and weighing 195 pounds, he has the ability to play in the slot for the Lions, who frequently use nickel packages to take advantage of their safety duo, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. The cornerback position in Detroit lacks experience beyond Reed and Amik Robertson, who emerged as the leading cover corner after Davis suffered a jaw injury last December.It’s important to note that the current cornerback depth chart includes two 2024 draft picks: Terrion Arnold, projected to be a starter after making 15 starts in 16 games as a rookie, and Ennis Rakestraw Jr., who struggled with a hamstring injury and was not fully healthy.