D.J. Reed takes another shot at NY Jets ahead of impending free agency

The NY Jets are expected to part ways with a number of veteran players this offseason in what will likely be a sizable roster overhaul. One individual who has likely played his final game with the Jets is cornerback D.J. Reed.

Reed is set to hit free agency in a few months, and all signs point to him not re-signing with the Jets. This has been the expectation for months, even dating back to the summer, and it’s become increasingly evident that the decision will be mutual.

Reed has made it clear that he doesn’t expect to play for the Jets in 2025. Now, he’s on social media hinting at a desire for a change of scenery.

The veteran cornerback shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, expressing support for his former teammate, Mekhi Becton. Former Jets safety Adrian Amos — who has been notably critical of the Jets in the past year — replied, stating it's "amazing what a change of situation can do.”

Reed agreed with Amos’ comment, seemingly taking a shot at the Jets in the process. His comments didn't go over well with Jets fans.

This isn't the first time that Reed has publicly made it known that he has no plans to play for the Jets next season. The 28-year-old cornerback previously made his thoughts abundantly clear when speaking to Go Long's Tyler Dunne following the Jets' Week 17 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Dunne asked Reed if he wanted to be a member of the Jets in 2025 and the veteran DB bluntly shook his head no before saying "I’m ready to go to free agency, bro. I'm ready to see what's next for me."

Reed signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Jets prior to the 2022 season and has been excellent value on that deal. He's helped form one of the best cornerback trios in the NFL alongside Sauce Gardner and Michael Carter II, even if 2024 was a down year for him (and most Jets players).

The writing has been on the wall for quite some time, however. The Jets already extended Carter this past summer and know that Gardner's extension — which could come as soon as this offseason — will likely make him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.

The Jets can't justify paying three different cornerbacks top dollar. Both Reed and the Jets have likely known for months that this year was his final season with the organization.

That might be the source of Reed's frustration. Beyond the typical dysfunction and losing that defined the 2024 Jets, Reed likely felt undervalued during contract negotiations with the team.

That frustration is understandable, but it's probably best for the Jets to avoid handing out a hefty contract to a veteran cornerback pushing 30 at this stage.

D.J. Reed was an excellent player for the Jets over the last three years, but his time with the organization is coming to a natural (and loud) conclusion.