The Kansas City Chiefs have a plethora of key players set to hit the free agency market this offseason, including safety Justin Reid. The veteran has been a pivotal part of the Chiefs’ defense since joining the team in 2022 and has won two Super Bowls with the franchise.
Kansas City will likely look to sign Reid to a long-term contract, but ESPN’s Matt Bowen predicts the 28-year-old will leave the defending AFC champions in free agency and join the New York Jets.
“Under new coach Aaron Glenn, Reid could drop the hammer as a downhill tackler and interchangeable safety for the Jets. The Jets’ 17 forced turnovers tied for 20th last season, so they need playmakers,” Bowen wrote.
Reid has started at least 16 games in each of the last three years and had another solid campaign in 2024. The former third-round pick totaled 87 tackles, snagged two interceptions with nine passes defended, and posted 38 defensive stops.
The Jets received subpar play from their safeties in 2024 and must upgrade the position this offseason. Reid would step right in as a starter on Aaron Glenn and Steve Wilks’ defense and provide Pro Bowl-caliber play. The former Stanford standout would also bring some much-needed championship experience to the team.
Pro Football Focus predicts Reid will land a three-year deal worth $46.5 million with $25 million guaranteed on the open market, while Spotrac believes the star defensive back will receive a $51 million contract over three seasons.
New York is estimated to have around $16 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. However, the franchise will gain some more cap room before free agency begins when quarterback Aaron Rodgers officially gets released with a post-June 1st designation, which saves the Jets $9.5 million.
Overall, signing Justin Reid would be a savvy move from general manager Darren Mougey. The 2018 Day 2 pick of the Houston Texans is battle-tested and would be a massive upgrade over Chuck Clark and Tony Adams in the Jets’ secondary.
For the Chiefs, losing Reid would be a major blow, as the veteran safety has been integral to Steve Spagnuolo’s defense and two of the team’s Super Bowl runs. With guard Trey Smith and linebacker Nick Bolton also set to hit free agency, there’s a good chance general manager Brett Veach has to let Reid walk to have a chance of re-signing Smith and Bolton.
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