Every season, a contender needs a player who exceeds expectations. For the Detroit Lions, that next breakout star could be veteran cornerback DJ Reed.
Entering his ninth NFL season, Reed isn’t a household name in the way some of Detroit’s offensive stars are. But his résumé, combined with a clean bill of health and a fresh opportunity, suggests he could be primed for a resurgence.
Reed’s 2025 season was interrupted by a torn hamstring that cost him significant time and, by his standards, effectiveness. He appeared in 11 games and recorded two interceptions, but when he returned to the field, he didn’t quite look like himself. The burst and fluidity that define his game weren’t consistently there — understandable for a cornerback coming off a soft-tissue injury that can linger well beyond the initial recovery window.
Now another year removed from that setback, Reed has a chance to remind the league why he was once viewed as one of the more reliable cover corners in football.
Originally drafted by the San Francisco 49ers, Reed carved out an early role as a versatile defensive back before finding his footing with the Seattle Seahawks. In Seattle, he developed into a full-time starter, showcasing his ability to shadow receivers and play with a physical edge despite being undersized compared to many outside corners.
His best stretch, however, came with the New York Jets. In 2022, Reed emerged as a cornerstone of one of the league’s top pass defenses. Opposing quarterbacks routinely avoided throwing his direction, and when they did, Reed made them pay. His tight coverage, quick recognition and willingness to tackle in space made him a complete defender. He finished that season with multiple interceptions and pass breakups while allowing one of the lowest completion percentages among starting corners.
That version of Reed is what the Lions believe they’re getting.
Beyond coverage, Reed brings a knack for forcing turnovers. He has forced five fumbles in his career — a notable number for a cornerback — by attacking the ball and refusing to concede extra yardage after the catch. That skill fits seamlessly with Detroit’s defensive identity under coach Dan Campbell, which emphasizes aggression and finishing plays.
The Lions’ defense has steadily improved, but adding a healthy, confident Reed could elevate the unit from solid to disruptive. His experience across multiple systems — from San Francisco to Seattle to New York — gives him a strong football IQ and adaptability in coverage schemes. He can press at the line of scrimmage, play off-man or function in zone concepts without becoming a liability.
Perhaps most importantly, Reed enters this season with motivation. Players often talk about having something to prove, and for Reed, last year’s injury-marred campaign likely left unfinished business. At 29, he’s not a young prospect waiting to develop. He’s a veteran in his prime with a track record of high-level play.
If the hamstring issues are truly behind him, the upside is clear: a corner capable of locking down one side of the field, generating takeaways and providing leadership in a secondary with postseason aspirations.
The Lions don’t need Reed to reinvent himself. They just need him to look like he did at his peak with the Jets. If he does, Detroit may have found its next breakout star hiding in plain sight.
