The New York Jets had a pivotal moment leading up to Tuesday’s NFL Trade Deadline, as they considered the future of cornerback D.J. Reed. Reed, who has been a reliable starter opposite the standout Sauce Gardner, was the subject of trade discussions. The Washington Commanders expressed interest, but the Jets made it clear that he was not available for trade. Instead, the Commanders opted for a blockbuster deal with the New Orleans Saints, acquiring star corner Marshon Lattimore.
As the dust settles from the trade deadline, the Jets now face an important decision regarding Reed’s contract. He is set to become a free agent, and the team must consider whether they want to retain him beyond 2025. With Reed expected to test the waters of free agency, the Jets need to act swiftly if they wish to keep him in their defensive lineup.
Potential Suitors for D.J. Reed
The market for Reed’s services could be competitive. Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report has identified two teams that may be interested in signing him, with the Minnesota Vikings being a notable contender. The Vikings currently find themselves in a precarious position at cornerback, with their roster looking thin for the 2025 season.
Knox highlights that dependable defensive backs like Reed are a rare find in free agency, especially those who are still in their playing prime. He ranks Reed as the seventh-best free agent on his 2025 Big Board, suggesting that if Reed hits the market, he could be one of the top prizes available. With projected cap space of $77.7 million, the Vikings are well-positioned to make a significant offer.
Vikings’ Cornerback Needs
The Vikings are facing a critical offseason, particularly in their secondary. Current starters like Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin, and Byron Murphy Jr. are all unsigned beyond 2024. This presents a unique opportunity for the Vikings to revamp their defense.
While Minnesota might consider bringing back some of these players, the reality is that Gilmore will turn 35 next September, and safety Harrison Smith will also be entering his age 36 season. The need for youth and energy in the secondary is palpable.
Reed, who turns 28 this month, is coming off a career year. He has impressively earned the No. 4 overall grade among cornerbacks from Pro Football Focus (PFF) for the first half of the season and ranks 11th in the league with eight pass breakups. His performance certainly makes him an appealing option for teams looking to bolster their defense.
Is D.J. Reed Worth the Investment?
However, the question remains: Is Reed truly the No. 1 cornerback that teams will be looking to sign? He stands at 5-foot-9, which is on the smaller side for a cornerback, and it’s worth noting that he has benefited from playing alongside a superstar like Gardner and behind an effective pass rush in New York.
When it comes to contract negotiations, Reed is likely to seek top-tier cornerback money, which could be around $20 million per season. But will he command that kind of salary? The Vikings have already secured key players like Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw, and they have promising rookies like J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner waiting in the wings.
Given the financial implications, it’s uncertain whether Reed would be the right fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who tends to favor larger, longer cornerbacks on the outside.
Vikings’ Future Moves
The Vikings may also have their sights set on other high-profile free agents. Recent predictions suggest they could pursue an All-Pro cornerback from the 49ers, potentially as insurance for Christian Darrisaw. Additionally, they might look to address their aging secondary by targeting a four-time All-Pro from the Falcons.
This raises an intriguing question: Are the Vikings willing to invest heavily in Reed, or will they look elsewhere to fill their cornerback needs? The NFL landscape is ever-changing, and the Vikings will have to weigh their options carefully as they prepare for the 2025 season.
In summary, while D.J. Reed has proven himself to be a valuable player for the Jets, his future remains uncertain. The Vikings could certainly use his talents, but the question of fit and financial commitment looms large. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on how the Jets navigate Reed’s contract situation and whether the Vikings will make a move to secure his services. The excitement of the NFL offseason is just around the corner, and the possibilities are endless!
