D.J. Reed, one of the top potential cornerbacks for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 NFL free agent class, is set to hit the open market next week when the free agency contact period starts on March 10.
Reed, 28, will not be retained by the New York Jets before the start of the free agent contact period, according to a report by Connor Hughes of SNY.
According to Hughes, the Jets don’t play to re-sign Reed or sign another high-priced veteran to replace him, because former first-round cornerback Sauce Gardner is due a contract extension this offseason.
That will make Reed of one the best options to hit what is a robust free agent cornerback market.
The 5-foot-9, 188 pounds Reed spent the last three seasons with the Jets, making 46 starts. He recorded 220 tackles, seven tackles for loss, one sack, 32 passes defended, two interceptions and two forced fumbles in his time with Gang Green.
Seattle Seahawks cornerback D.J. Reed dives to make a play on the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 17, 2021. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Reed was originally fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers out of Kansas State in 2018. After two years in San Francisco, he was claimed off waivers by the Seattle Seahawks and surpassed Quinton Dunbar in the starting lineup. He initially received playing time due an injury by Dunbar, but the coaching staff was so impressed with Reed’s play that they kept him as a starter.
Hughes said that one NFL team has Reed as the top cornerback on the open market this offseason. Pro Football Focus also has him rated as the No. 1 cornerback in free agency, ahead of Charvarius Ward from the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas.
The Steelers have multiple needs at the cornerback position this offseason, with both starting outside cornerback Donte Jackson and slot cornerback Cam Sutton set to hit free agency.
