The New York Jets had chances to move cornerback D.J. Reed, their starter opposite Sauce Gardner, prior to Tuesday’s NFL Trade Deadline.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that the Washington Commanders checked in on Reed, but were told he wasn’t available. They wound up swinging a blockbuster deal with the New Orleans Saints for star corner Marshon Lattimore instead.
The Jets will have to address Reed’s current contract situation, however, if they want to keep him in 2025 and beyond. He’s a pending free agent, and he’s expected to test free agency before making any decisions about his future.
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes two teams could be in the market for Reed’s services, and one of them is the Minnesota Vikings, who currently have a bare cupboard at the position in 2025.
Here was Knox’s take on a potential signing: “Dependable do-it-all defensive backs who are still in their playing prime are rarely available on the open market, and if Reed gets there, he should be one of the top prizes of free agency,” wrote Knox, who ranked Reed No. 7 overall on his 2025 Free Agent Big Board. “Reed will likely command a sizeable contract, which could limit his market to cap-rich teams like the Vikings ($77.7 million in projected cap space).”
Knox also named the Pittsburgh Steelers as a potential suitor for Reed. Would the Vikings be a good fit? Let’s dig deeper.
Buy or sell: D.J. Reed to Minnesota Vikings in 2025
The Vikings will have a serious need at the position this offseason, as current starters Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Byron Murphy Jr. are all unsigned beyond 2024.
Minnesota could look to run it back with some or all of those players, but with Gilmore set to turn 35 next September, and safety Harrison Smith entering his age 36 season, it would be wise for the Vikings to get younger in the secondary.
Reed turns 28 this month, and he’ll be coming off a career year. He’s PFF’s No. 4 overall graded cornerback through the first half of the season and ranks 11th in the league with eight pass breakups.
Reed will likely seek No. 1 cornerback money on the open market, in the neighborhood of $20 million per season. But is he really that guy? He’s on the smaller side at 5-foot-9, and he’s definitely benefited in New York from an excellent pass rush and a superstar corner starting opposite him in Gardner.
The Vikings have already locked up Justin Jefferson and Christian Darrisaw, and they have promising rookies J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner in reserve. It’s feasible the team looks to make a splash in free agency and the draft at this position. At that price point, I’m just not sure Reed is the fit for defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who likes size and length in his outside corners.
The verdict: Sell
Related Minnesota Vikings news:
Vikings picked to poach $40.5 million All-Pro cornerback from 49ers in FA splash
Minnesota could pursue 8-time Pro Bowler as Christian Darrisaw insurance
Vikes predicted to swipe 4-time All-Pro from Falcons to address aging secondary
