Lions get more justification for choosing D.J. Reed over Carlton Davis

When it comes to making quick pivots in free agency when a player's contract demands exceeds their perception of his value, the Detroit Lions generally don't mess around. This offseason, after cornerback Carlton Davis made it absolutely clear he would go to the highest bidder in free agency, a fast pivot was made to D.J. Reed.

Some analysts think the Lions will really miss Davis this season, but a closer look says different and Reed may even be an upgrade across the board. The Lions presumably had contract talks with Davis on some level dating back to when they acquired him from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in March of 2024, and Reed was clearly revealed as their No. 1 pivot option as Davis trended toward being gone.

Over his three seasons with the New York Jets, Reed operated in the shadow of one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, Sauce Gardner. He has played seven NFL seasons, including a run of quality seasons as a starter lately, but he has not become a household name. Now in Detroit, he has an opportunity to change that. Playing for a good team after his years with the Jets can only help Reed raise his profile.

Lions get more proof they chose correctly when they chose D.J. Reed

Pro Football Focus' John Kosko recently rolled out a ranking of the top-32 cornerbacks in the NFL heading into the 2025 season. It was fair to assume Reed had a place on the list, it was just a matter of where upon diving into it.

PFF has always been high on Reed's work and he came in at No. 6, behind only Gardner, Patrick Surtain II, Trent McDuffie, Jaylon Johnson and Derek Stingley.

"Reed has yet to become a household name at the position despite excellent play for several seasons. His PFF advanced coverage grade over the past two years ranks fifth, while his 89.3 standard PFF coverage grade ranks 12th."

"Reed has put together six straight seasons of earning a 70.0-plus PFF overall grade."

Davis, the man Reed is replacing, came in at No. 18 in PFF's ranking. But taking everything into account; contract cost, durability. etc., it's clear the Lions made the right choice to draw a financial line with Davis and immediately pivot to Reed on Day 1 of free agency.