The New York Jets filled a serious defensive need by signing free-agent cornerback DJ Reid to a three-year, $33 million contract, a source told ESPN’s Rich Jiminy.
The news of Reid’s deal was first reported by The Athletic.
Reed, the Jets’ first free agent signed defensively, is serving as a starter on the outside. Bryce Hall and Brandin Echols, who started last year, will fight for second place. Michael Carter II remains in the slot – for now. That doesn’t stop the Jets from picking a cornerback, but Reed gives them a proven starter in one of the youngest position groups.
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Jets coach Robert Saleh said he was pleased with the young corners’ progress last season, but it became clear they needed to modernize. The Jets finished 32nd overall on defense, including 30th against a pass. They made just seven interceptions, including only two at the corners – both by Echols.
The Jets have not had much luck with corner free agents in recent years. In 2018, they signed Trumaine Johnson to one of the biggest deals in franchise history ($34 million guaranteed), but he only played 17 games in two seasons and was released.
The Seattle Seahawks lifted Reed’s 49ers waiver shortly before the 2020 season after he suffered a season-ending chest injury. Since returning midway through that season, Reed has made 22 starts after breaking into the starting lineup.
Since then, he has pretty much been Seattle’s best cornerback, becoming a key element in the Seahawks’ defense during that stretch.
Reid has defended 17 passes and all four interceptions in his career for Seattle, playing both sides of the field and on the nickelback. He started the 2021 season at left wingback before returning to right wing.
Reid’s arrival at 5’9 and 193 pounds marked a departure from the norm for Seattle, who almost exclusively played outside cornerbacks.
The 49ers selected the 25-year-old Reid in the fifth round of the 2018 draft.
Brady Henderson of ESPN contributed to this report.