D.j. Reed

Career StatsB

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		112	8	57	460
2025		11	2	7	46
2024		14	0	11	64
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Lions landed a solid value play in D.J. Reed, securing an above-average starter at a reasonable $16M AAV that represents fair market pricing for his production tier. Reed has established himself as a reliable perimeter defender who can handle WR2s and contribute in coverage, making this deal a sensible investment rather than a franchise-altering splash. At his current career stage, the three-year term aligns well with his prime window, though the $32M guaranteed does carry some risk if his play declines in the back half of the contract. The structure gives Detroit flexibility while providing Reed with meaningful security, creating a balanced arrangement that neither side should regret. This B- CVI reflects a competent front office move that addresses a clear need without breaking the bank — exactly the type of pragmatic signing that builds sustainable rosters in today's salary cap environment.

Performance Analysis

D.J. Reed earns a B for the Lions at cornerback, a reliable and consistent corner who has been a key addition to Detroit's secondary. Reed brings the kind of technical precision and competitive fire that makes him an effective man-coverage corner. He does not give up easy completions, and his ability to play both outside and in the slot provides schematic flexibility. The Lions defense has been elite, and Reed has been a seamless fit within that unit. He may not be the flashiest corner in football, but his consistency and dependability are exactly what a championship-caliber defense needs.

Current Sentiment

D.J. Reed has captured significant positive attention following his clutch playoff performance that helped eliminate the Dallas Cowboys with a game-sealing strip-pick, transforming the veteran cornerback into one of the most talked-about defenders heading into 2026. Despite entering his eighth NFL season, media coverage has positioned Reed as a potential breakout candidate, suggesting renewed confidence in his abilities after years of being viewed as merely a solid veteran presence. His $16M AAV contract reflects Detroit's investment in him as a key defensive piece, and the recent narrative shift from reliable starter to potential defensive playmaker has elevated his profile considerably among fans and analysts. While there are whispers about the Lions potentially adding depth at cornerback through the draft, this appears to be more about building a stronger secondary rather than replacing Reed, who has firmly established himself as a franchise-caliber starter. The Contract Value Index (CVI) reflects this overwhelmingly positive sentiment with an A+ grade, capturing how Reed's big-game heroics have transformed public perception and positioned him as one of the league's most valued corners entering the new season.